Fleming 5
Dr Marshall 42, >45
Match Information
Attendance: 7,000
Referee: P Craigmyle (Aberdeen)
Matchday: Saturday
Match Trivia
If Morton had any hopes of adding their points total at the expense of Rangers, these must have vanished when it became known that Kelso, French and Alf Brown were indisposed. In their handicap condition the Greenockians made a fairly creditable show, but it was never good enough to seriously challenge Rangers right to the points. And yet the Ibrox side was no great shakes. Fleming was a conspicuous Ranger in the opening exchanges, and Fotheringham had to look lively to get rid of three of his raking shots. However, after seven minutes play, the right winger got the bulge on the keeper by bundling him and ball over the goal-line. Mainly through the efforts of Gourlay the Morton gradually came into the picture, and thrice the inside right shoved along perfect balls to Buchanan, but just as often did the centre-forward volley over the bar. At the other end Marshall was also at fault in his shooting, his efforts lacking both power and precision. Dunlop was in evidence with a couple of clever dribbles, both of which he finished off with rasping shots. Three minutes before the interval Marshall atoned for his earlier shooting failures by going right through to increase the Ibrox lead. Morton resumed with more confidence than they had shown in the opening half, but they still lacked those finishing powers which are so essential to goal-getting. Buchanan was Greenock’s most likely looking net-finder, but Dixon and the pair behind him kept a watchful eye on the centre-forward with the result that his scoring opportunities were few and far between. Marshall was obviously keen to add to his scoring list, and several times was just beaten on the post, but after half-an-hour’s play he careered past the Greenock’s backs and drove the ball into the corner of the net. Three minutes later Buchanan picked up a McCartney pass and went ahead to pilot the ball past Hamilton. There were really no outstanding players on the field. Both goalkeepers comported themselves with credit, and of the backs Orr and Hamilton were the more reliable. Jessiman and Hunter were capable Cappielow middle-men, but Hyslop, who wrought untiringly throughout, allowed Marshall far too much scope. Craig was a shade ahead of his colleagues in the Ibrox middle line, and of the front rankers Cunningham and Fleming pleased me most. The latter did extremely well in his new position on the touch-line. Gourlay, McCartney and Buchanan were the pick of the Greenock quintette.
