Fleming 26, >45
S Archibald +7
Match Information
Attendance: 41,500
Referee: T Small (Dundee)
Matchday: Wednesday
Match Trivia
From first to last Rangers were the superior team in the Glasgow Cup Final replay at Hampden Park yesterday. The score does not exaggerate their superiority. But Celtic can spare Rangers the Cup, after having held it for three years in succession. This Rangers’ eighteenth Cup success. Celtic have won it sixteen times. The teams were the same as on Saturday, and I am told the wind was blowing the same way, but there was this difference – the rain that had fallen gave the players a heavier and better ball to work with just the kind a footballer like to get a grip of with his feet. It should have e=been a bot of luck for Celtic when they won the toss and took the wind, but matters did not turn out that way. Rangers played practically all the football against the breeze, some of it of the highest class. They were clever enough to keep the ball low, which is exactly what Celtic failed to do in the second half when they had to face the wind. There was a magnificent understanding among the half-backs, who swung the ball well about besides passing it among themselves. Craig’s long, ground passes were beautifully to see, and it was his combination with McPherson and Morton that put a worrying strain on the Celtic defence, coupled with the fast raiding and centring by Archibald and the forcing drives of Marshall and Fleming. But although Rangers were giving a lead in the matter of fast, combined football, the Celtic forwards, with a freshening wind behind them, were able to come along in dangerous-looing style at times. Once Tom Hamilton had to dash out and kick away from the feet of McGrory, who for once, had eluded the vigilance of Meiklejohn. Then came a spell of Rangers domination, and after Thomson had distinguished himself, he was beaten by Fleming just 28 minutes after the start. Craig began the movement, and Morton carried on by tricking Wilson and McCallum. The back recovered and when he went in to tackle again Morton slipped the ball to McPherson, who in turn, pushed along a perfect pass to Fleming. The centre took the ball on the turn, and with his right foot, shot low into the net near the post at Thomson’s right hand. The entire movement was nicely rounded, a simple case of the defence being outwitted by a more skilful attack. Rangers’ success had been coming for some time. Strive as the big-hearted James McStay would, and quick as were Wilson and Robertson to take advantage of a chance to send their forwards away, nothing could prevent Rangers tightening their grip as the game went on. There was not the scheming ability in the Celtic front line necessary to disturb the solid safeness of the Rangers’ rear defences. Scarff and Thomson could not get McGrory released from the shackles of Meiklejohn. Connolly and Kavanagh had corners to place, and placed them well, but nothing would come of them. By the time we had reached the interval, I had no doubt at all that the Cup was leaving Parkhead. A goal to the good and the wind with them in the second half put the Rangers high and dry – bar a miracle. And so, events proved. There was only one team in the hunt until Rangers had taken their total to four, and then the Celts fought back gamely against a wind that had become stronger then ever. Only three minutes of the second half had gone when Morton, still going strong, put across a pretty centre, Fleming was on it like a bird, and his shot went into the net off Thomson’s left-hand foot with great force. This was one of the best goals, I think, Fleming has ever scored in the sense that he had to act instantly and without taking time to control the ball. Five minutes later it was all over bar the shouting. The third goal settled it. Rangers’ forwards were sweeping through in irresistible fashion. The Celtic defence rocked. Fleming headed in and when Thomson, with a marvellous spring, punched out with both hands, the ball went to Archibald, who drove with terrific force into the net. The fourth goal originated in a fine piece of ingenuity on the part of Craig. He came through with the ball and swung it away across to the right. Robertson rose to head it clear but was too late in going up. Archibald got it coming down, and promptly back-heeled to Fleming, who again shot without hesitation. McGonnigle, who was almost under the bar, tried to save with his foot but merely deflected the ball into the net. In the last ten minutes we saw a courageous attempt by the Celts to mend their fortunes. Some of the play by the half-backs was really admirable, but the forwards could not find a loophole in the Ibrox defence. McGrory made one mighty effort to head home a Kavanagh centre, and I thought he was going to shake the head off his shoulders. A lot of free kicks were given, some of which could have been allowed to pass. Captains Meiklejohn and McStay were called together to receive a word or two, not because they were at fault, but evidently in order to serve as a warning to all and sundry. It was a complete victory, and Celtic took their defeat very well indeed. The two captains shook hands coming off. Rangers played so strong a game, and were so splendidly balanced, that at timed they came near to outclassing their old rivals. There was an outstanding exception, however. Celtic’s half-backs were a splendid line, fighting against great odds. I liked no one better than young Robertson. What I liked most about him was that he did not require to stop the ball to get it under control. He went ahead with it as it came to him, and he was good with either foot. I think Celtic have got a plucked lad in Robertson. He needs only experience and filling out. McStay was as brave as a lion and Wilson was always a fine half-back up against Morton at his best, and faced by a wily, determined youngster in McPherson. This lad reminded me of my old colleague, Johnny McPherson, and he had a touch of Findlay Speedie, too in drawing the man on to him. This Rangers’ left wing with Craig – the finest half-back on the field – behind them, were a power. No wonder Craig went into the Scottish team against Wales. But Rangers, right across the half-back line, were very strong. The trio knew one another’s every move and could work themselves out of a tight corner by a series of passes among themselves. Meiklejohn gave McGrory no scope at all, but I was sorry for the Celtic centre for he was never supported by Scarff and Thomson. Buchanan and craig had a lot to do with that. Fleming played his best game, so far as I have seen him. He positioned himself well and acted quickly. Marshall was a driving force, and if he could cultivate a feint he would add tremendously to his success. Archibald was mu ideal of an outside right – as happy as a sandboy, strong in his running, and deft in his control. At back Rangers held a telling advantage. Gray never made a mistake, and I am afraid cheery little Kavanagh felt he was playing against the odds. Bob Hamilton kicked well against the wind, and even placed the ball to his forwards. By comparison McCallum and McGonnigle were moderate indeed. Thomson had no discredit by the loss of four goals. He is still a grand goalkeeper. Tom Hamilton had comparatively little to do but he did his little well, although once worried by a McGrory header when the ball struck him on the legs.
