A Cunningham
G Henderson
Match Information
Attendance: 15,848
Referee: Campbell Bilney (Glasgow)
Matchday: Saturday
Match Trivia
St Johnstone put up a heroic fight in the first half of their encounter with Rangers at Muirton, but in the second they seemed to be under the impression that they were hopelessly beaten – that it was useless to try any longer. A very foolish impression it was. If the Saints had stuck in during the whole game as they did in the first thirty odd minutes a more thrilling encounter could not have been seen. Apart from the apathetic note sounded in the Perth ranks, there was no doubt that the better team won the day. St Johnstone were eager at the start. Their forcing play and keen tackling kept the Rangers forwards at bay for a time. Hopes were rising in the local supporters’ hearts when thud! – down they went. Cunningham’s rocket drive in the ninth minutes was of the unsaveable variety. Smack! The same hearts went down further when Henderson, snapping up a cute pass from Morton, blazed in a ball which Dempster only saw. And again! With thirty-two minutes gone, Morton crossed a drooping ball. McClure cleared it weakly, and it travelled to Cunningham. The Ranger hit it first time, and the helpless Dempster must have heard it whizzing past his head. Three good goals! Then St Johnstone faded. Their replies to the rangers’ challenge were weak. Despair seized them, unfortunately, and they went down for the first time on Muirton Park. There were thrills in abundance in that fast first half under a broiling sun. The Perth defenders lashed out at the Light Blues attacks, and the forwards adopted a dangerous swinging game, which gave the Ibrox rear lines some uncomfortable moments. But the pressure of the rangers began to make itself visible ere long. The half-backs had a grip of things, and soon the Saints’ attack was caught in a vice from which escape seemed hopeless. The Rangers went on relentlessly, sweeping down to scatter the plucky Perth defence like chaff. The Ibrox wings moved like machines, and the Saints made heroic endeavours to combat the schemes of the champions. They wavered and broke, but their opponents seemed merciful, and contented themselves after the interval with spectacular footwork and mazy moves. The end must have been welcome, for the issue was never in doubt after Cunningham scored his second goal, and the heat was excessive. In a well-balanced St Johnstone team, men who took the eye mist were Dempster, Penman, Swallow, Fleming and Sanderson. Dempster brought off some remarkable saves of close-range shots, while his anticipation was excellent. Penman was a good if not brilliant back. He had a hot afternoon with Morton and Cairns in front of him. Swallow, at centre half, was excellent against a most powerful attack. He checked many promising movements of Rangers inside forwards, while his placing left little to be desired. In front Fleming and Sanderson were the men from whom most danger threatened. Ellis was clearly off his form. He missed some splendid opportunities. For the winners Robb kept a safe goal. McCandless was the better back. Jamieson was inclined to spoon the ball. Meiklejohn was the number one half back. He was tireless in his efforts, and his covering-up was superb. Dixon was not so confident as usual. Cunningham and Morton were the only two forwards who gave of their best. The little winger delighted all but the Saints’ defenders with his crafty meanderings towards goal. Cairns was good without touching his usual high standard. Archibald was inclined to overdo the fancy work, and as a result he wasted some good chances. Henderson seems to improve every season. He played well, and his ball control and distribution were very effective. He led his line in good style.
