Richardson
Goodwin <45
Richardson
Match Information
Attendance: 10,000
Referee: A Allan (Glasgow)
Matchday: Saturday
Match Trivia
Rangers at Ibrox were not equal to revenging the reverse at Somerset Park in score. Ayr United had not done very well in Glasgow this season, and when Devlin had to call off at the last moment the ‘Honest men’ probably lined up hoping for the best and preparing for the worse. But, with a strong wind behind them, they set about their work with great earnestness. Right away they found our Rangers’ weak links, and played on them accordingly. Middleton and J Goodwin carried Ayr forwards along, and Richardson entrusted with the task of bearing Lock. In the opening minutes, Richardson had a first-time effort, which Lock was ready for, but, had the centre-forward trapped the ball and steadied, a goal would almost certainly have followed. Rangers found it beyond them to beat down Ayr’s defence against the strong wind, although Bowie had fully stretched Lyall with a soft ball, when a short sharp thrust would have been more dangerous. That was practically the only time Rangers caused Lyall any trouble this half. Ayr United were continually on the aggressive, and every moment you could see anxiety written over Rangers’ defenders. Cassidy was hurt and taken to the line for attention, but the four Ayr forwards did not relax their efforts. Cassidy resumed after 10 minutes just in time to see Richardson eluding Kelso, then Craig and scoring a bonnie goal, Lock have no chance to save. It was all Ayr now. Richardson led the vanguard well, the extreme wing men responded, and the inside forwards were ever and anon having a shot at goal. Five minutes from the interval J Goodwin, from a second attempt, beat Lock with a fast left foot drive, after he had cleverly manoeuvred for position. Ayr United thoroughly deserved their two goal advantage at the interval. Resuming with the wind behind them, Rangers looked like wiping off arrears in a hurry. They were most unfortunate when Reid got right through and from a difficult angle sent the ball past Lyall, only to witness it rebounding from the far-off upright. Cairns rushed in to place the leather into the unguarded goal, but the ball bounced off his boot the wrong way, and Paterson, who had come inwards to help, was forced to put outside. That was indeed a ‘life’ to Ayr United, who were made aware of what was to follow. Bell and McStay stiffened their backs, so to speak, and the halfs became more vigilant. Rangers now had their turn to monopolise play, and Bowie delivered several rare balls – a sort of lead to his colleagues. But all Rangers could get for their labours were fruitless corners. Twice Richardson relieved his defenders with runs towards Lock, and each time he caused a lot of trouble. Still two goals down, Rangers, mid-way through the second half, were very eager. Indeed, they were too anxious, and all the shots Lyall had to deal with were from long range. At last, after half-an-hour, Reid scored – and a smartly taken point it was. From a throw-in Anderson obtained possession, ran on a little, passed to Reid, who gathered the ball with his left foot, and before Lyall was prepared, Reid had shot with his right foot, the ball going into the net like lighting. It would have been a very like Rangers to have scored two or three goal, now that they has found the net. However, the heart was taken out of them when Gray forced a corner and placed the ball so well from the flag-kick that Richardson was able to score Ayr United’s third goal. Speed, long passing, methods, and earnestness of purpose gave Ayr United the victory. They were defending almost all the second half, and they defended well and dourly. There was a nice understanding between each division, and harmony among the forwards. Richardson was the most dangerous, and kept the wings going well. Middleton and J Goodwin formed the better wing, and they were well supported by McLaughlin. Dainty kept a tight hold of Reid, and had time to look after Bowie and Cairns on occasion. Bell was the better back, and Lyall safe. Rangers were weak at half-back, Pursell, got through a lot of work successfully, but Baird found his task in watching the speedy Middleton and Goodwin rather heavy. Craig was the more reliable defender, Kelso’s kicking being often indecisive. Lock was safe. Among the forwards there was little understanding, but all worked with a will in the second-half, Cairns and Bowie being the most conspicuous
