T Cairns >45
Match Information
Attendance: 5,000
Referee: T Dougray (Barrhead)
Matchday: Saturday
Match Trivia
I have often heard the remark made that a light blur jersey worn by a Rangers team was sufficient for the undoing of Kilmarnock. Past result would seem to indicate that there is more in the remark than mere epigram, but after watching the previous League match at Ibrox in August, I must honestly say that the present lot who sport the Kilmarnock colours have given the lie direct to the taunt. Rangers in this latest encounter had to contest every inch of the ground for their one-goal victory. Why, in the last minute that sure-footed forward, Cunningham, secured well set for the equaliser, but by electing to control the ball before shooting, he deprived himself of the chance, for Craig got in, in time to spoil his parting effort. It was a nasty wind that the players had to contend wind, the play being confined very much to the stand side, where much time was lost through the ball going continually out of play. To further increase this drawback, Neil, on the one side, and Logan, on the other, were guilty of bad judgment in persisting in sending the ball in that direction, where it seemed impossible to beat it down. Cairns and Cunningham proved themselves the tacticians in bringing about a change of affairs, and nothing better could have been desired than the way the young Ibrox forward wrought his way through for the others to do the finishing. Reid, however, although twice in possession, found himself outnumbered in the act of shooting. Mitchell, on the other side, almost brought about the first goal, the ball going past the post after a tussle between him and Lock. Cunningham also tried a long drive, and although there was much sting behind it, Lock had anticipated, and saved with little to spare. Matters continued in this fashion, Kilmarnock having the preponderance of the play, which was to be looked for, assisted as they were by a strong, biting wind. When they crossed over at half-time with nothing to show for it there were many heads shaking. In the first ten minutes of the second half the best work of the afternoon was displayed. From the kick-off the Kilmarnock showed a bold front, and getting the best of the opposing halfs, a softly-delivered shot was sent along. Lock came out a step to get it, but to the surprise of everyone he allowed it to slip past him. A quick recovery on the part of the goalkeeper saved the situation, for although McCurdie did his best to force him through, he got the ball away. Not, however, without a consultation on the part of the officials, who decided against Kilmarnock’s claim for a goal, did the referee decide. Excitement had scarcely died away when Cairns, from inside-right position, whither he had wandered, scored with a good shot, which took Miller by surprise. There were several other chances in the course of the game later on, but try as the forwards might the defence on either side had always the best of matters. Miller once or twice distinguished himself by smart saving. Kilmarnock are deserving of a little sympathy for the loss of the points. They made a much better fight against the wind than their early play promised. Rangers also showed their best points against the breeze, for there was little in their second-half play to go into ecstasies over. The respective goalkeepers came through the ordeal well, for although Lock almost committed one of those inexcusable blunders that will happen at times, his smart recovery amply atoned. Slimmon and Muir were the better backs, and that is not suggesting that the more experienced Craig and Cunningham were much behind, but the young ones seemed the more daring and successful. Gordon and Pursell were the best of the Ibrox halfs, but even Gordon found it difficult to gauge the wind, and to Logan it seemed impossible. Hamilton and Mackie were the strong men in Kilmarnock’s intermediate line, the centre-half proving of immense help to his side in the way of recovery work. The forward play was disjointed, neither lot ever settling to anything like cohesion, so that the good points shown were of an individual character. Cairns, Cunningham and Reid were the three that mattered most with occasionally Goldie and Bowie in evidence. Neil, Duncan and Paterson were under a cloud all through.
