J Smith 26
Hughes 44
Match Information
Attendance: 40,000
Referee: M.C. Hutton (Glasgow)
Matchday: Saturday
Match Trivia
You recall George Ashwood song Give me something to remember you by? Willie Hughes, of Celtic gave us all something to remember him by when he scored the equalising goal for Celtic a couple of seconds before half-time in the game against Rangers at Parkhead. Not quite so dramatic as the famous Bert Thomson - Alan Craig business at Hampden, but just as likely to be clearly stamped on the memory. Up to that time Rangers had had the better of the exchanges. In fact, I had the feeling that the Light Blues would win convincingly. Confidence and cleverness characterised their play. Smith scored one goal after eighteen minutes, and there was always the probability of his adding to that slight lead. From Main in particular I looked for the danger thrust. Bobby brightly sped along the wing, beating Morrison who had taken the injured McGonagles place with fluent ease. Smith had many chances. But he appeared to want more space than the yard that usually separated him from Geatons. In that respect he resembled our old acquaintance, Neil Dewar. In short, he got fankled. Bob McPhail played an entirely different style of game. I reckon that Main got more than a dozen beautifully judged passes from the inside left in that first half. The winger made very good use of most of them, but Kennaway sensed the danger and often cut out the cross opportunely. On the other side of the field Kinnear worked interestingly against Charlie Napier, who had gone to right half. Kinnear could elude the celt, and even beat Hogg. But I think he has it in his mind that he can beat a goalkeeper just as easily. That amazing goal of his against Celtic in McGrorys benefit he should endeavour to forget, if I may put it that way. Main frequently waited for a far-flung ball from the other wing, but very seldom did it arrive. The long cross from winger to winger is one of the deadliest moves in football. Celtic all the time were struggling. Willie McGonagle hirpled on the left wing easy prey for Dougie Gray. McGrory simply could not get going. McDonald at inside left alone looked likely to give the centre his chance. Yet the inside man repeatedly ran the ball to the feet of a tackler or passed inaccurately. McInally failed to strike the form I have seen him show. Delaney found Whitely McDonald right at the peak in defence. Was it surprising, therefore that Jimmy Simpson stood out in the Rangers rear ranks? The run of play just suited the big pivot. And he made serviceable use of the comparatively free position when he punted hard upfield. Then, when we had lined off our notes of the first half, with Rangers leading one-nothing, came the great goal. I am convinced that no Rangers man expected Hughes to shoot. He had collected the ball over midfield. He travelled on at top speed, closely attended by a couple of Rangers men. And when almost in the penalty area he delivered that glorious drive. Jerry Dawson did not more than stretch an arm as the ball flashed into the left corner of his net. Half-time sounded immediately after. Hughes was surrounded by his congratulating colleagues. Joe Kennaway dashed from his goal to shake with Hughes before the teams left the field. The stand occupants I take it, Celtic and Rangers supporters alike cheered the half-back. That goal alone was worth the admission cost! It is necessary to describe the penalty incident. In my opinion, the award should not have been given. Had McGonagle been a fit man he would not have met Gray so awkwardly. The clash would have been a perfectly good shoulder-to-shoulder affair. As it was McGonagle staggered just as he met Gray and fell. That Gray was in contact with the full back-winger there is no doubt. But I discerned no intention to foul. Indeed, there was not the slightest reason why Gray should attempt to do anything but shoulder McGonagle off the ball. Geatons advanced to take the kick. McGrory stepped into the area and pointed out that the ball was not fair on the spot. Referee Hutton stepped forward along with Geatons and placed the ball where it should have been. Then Geatons did his stuff. The ball hit the underside of the cross-bar, came down, bounced high, and Gray back-headed towards the bye-line, for safety. Now comes the very interesting part, McGonagle had gone over the bye-line for treatment by trainer Qusklay. When Gray headed for safety McGonagle stepped on the field. Referee Hutton whistled. For what? Thats what Id like to know. The player couldnt have been offside. Gray had last touched the ball, you see. Possible McGonagle was penalised for having resumed play without reporting his return. I must find out about this, even though the referee is not allowed to make an explanation. Apart from an excellent effort by McGrory and a brilliant save by Dawson there were few real thrills in the closing stages. But Celtic were ever so much better in that second half. Though Rangers should have made the points secure in the first forty-five minutes, Celtic should have done the same in the second half. I shall say, consequently, that a draw did injustice to neither side. Dawson and Kennaway can cry quits. Neither was brilliant, yet both had some masterly saves. And some not so masterly. I thought McDonald the best back of the four. Hogg came very close, but Morrison found Main much too tricky. Napier disappointed me in his half-back play. He was quite unnecessarily peeved when Kinnear rounded him. Geatons and Hughes accomplished some splendid work, but I still want to see McStay in the team, if only for his steadying influence. Delaney has still a good bit to come. The others in the front rank I have described. Tommy Craig had a somewhat dull day. Very eager to shoot, however, but seldom on target. Simpson and Brown were in very fine form. All the forwards with the exception of Venters played their part in typical Rangers style. Venters will run into his opponents when a slick pass would be his best policy. Still, he did keep these opponents very busy! On Saturdays form neither side is to be compared with the Celtic and Rangers of even a decade ago. Geatons missed a second half penalty
