McDonald 44
Carroll 52
Match Information
Attendance: 15,000
Referee: Tom Dougray (Bellshill)
Matchday: Saturday
Match Trivia
All the compliments of the season to Dundee United on their sterling display yesterday at Tannadice Park against Rangers. Winning the toss seemed to be a good omen, for right from the start the Dundee lads showed that they were out for two points. Over-keenness spoilt their first move, however and Rangers’ turn came. Jimmy Simpson nearly threw away a goal when he suddenly made up his mind to head clear and gave Paterson palpitation till the ball went by fir a corner, which Morton foozled. A narrow shave for Rangers when Carroll slammed wildly at a McGregor cross and out it past. The Rangers’ forward line of old-timers could nit get going properly. Henderson was well held by Simpson, and seldom got the ball to his wings. Alan Morton made a poor attempt to score when left with the ball at his foot. A bye was the only result, where a goal seemed certain. Following a mix-up in United’s goal, where Paterson eventually cleared on his hands and knees, United’s right wing got away. Back and forward the ball swung, till at last a shot from Hart rebounded from the bar, and ‘Siller’ McDonald headed through. This was ain the last minute of the first half, and the crowd cheered themselves hoarse. The teams did not leave the field during the interval, when a banner was shown round with the words, ‘5000 Men Wanted for United’s Supporters’ Club!’ United opened with a bang in the second half, when a McGregor cross, after a splendid run by the little winger, went begging across the goal. Rangers made a desperate attempt to ger going. They appeared to be at sixes and sevens. United hearts beat loudly when Walker missed the ball completely, but Paterson managed to grasp Cunningham’s shot. Back came United and Carroll, getting the ball from Welsh broke through between the backs, and gave Hamilton no chance. This finished the scoring, but with a little luck and better shooting, United could have had another couple. Only once during the second half did Rangers seriously threaten to lessen United’s lead. This was when Cunningham, from about thirty yards, let fly a scorcher which hit Paterson’s left-hand post, with the big keeper sprawling helpless. It was only a flash in the pan, however, and United were worthy winners. Rangers were a very disappointment lot. Failure to adapt themselves to ground conditions, no doubt, had much to do with their defeat, but bad finishing had still more to do with it. The forward line was completely out of joint. Henderson never had a look-in with Simpson dogging his footsteps, and the rest of the line suffered accordingly. United were a winning combination, plucky – and wonder of wonders, apparently tireless. That last quarter of an hour feeling was not so apparent as it has been. Their defence started off shakily, but soon settled down. Paterson is a good keeper, but he seemed to take quite unnecessary risks when he dived at Henderson’s boots. It’s asking for trouble. Dundee United’s half-line had mish to do with their victory. After a shaky start which broke up Rangers’ attacks as soon as they started, and yet had time to think about their own forwards. Hart’s judicious feeding of the right wing made it the most dangerous raiding factor on the field, while Simpson’s policing of Henderson has already been mentioned. Forward the Whites were quite as well served. ‘Smiler’ McDonald did some good things but was not thrustful enough. Welsh was steady, if not brilliant, while the right wing were always up and at it. Miller has a style which looks slow, but isn’t really, and his heady touches were a feature of the game. Carroll was keen, but he was not just ‘there’ at times. He was often that second late which does the damage. All over, however, the Dundee lads were well worth their victory, and if this form holds should soon banish the relegation bogey.
