Smith 10
Armstrong 70
Match Information
Attendance: 15,002
Referee: M.C. Dale (Glasgow)
Matchday: Saturday
Match Trivia
Youve heard the old song, Has Anybody Here seen Kelly? Dont even whisper it to Rangers. Kelly, guarding the Aberdeen goal, was the big thorn in their side. He saved a spot kick well taken by Venters. And in a last-minute barrage saved a point-blank drive from Waddell. Noy only did he dive to stop Venters spot kick, but he went after it on his tummy and clutched safely as the Rangers inside man was about to smack home the rebound. Kellys work and the two goals were the high lights, for this game never reached a classic standard. Rangers had not the punch of Aberdeen and were woefully weak in the extreme wings. Kinnear, until well on in the second half, would persist in attempting to beat three men. Thornton, while he could beat Nicholson on the ground, was invariably short with that vital pass. Had Rangers exploited the swinging game, they would have improved 100 per cent. Would you believe that twenty-three minutes were clocked before Kelly got a shot to stop a close-in prod from Venters? By that time the Dons were a goal up and what a goal! Gray, midway between goal and half-line attempted to kick over his head. But Strauss dashed in with his head and bored his way down field. Crowded out, he swung over a short pass to Smith, who it a glorious angular drive first time into the net. And all this time we had Venters prodding, desperately trying to get the attack going. He himself did have a shot that beat Kelly, but Adey baulked on the line, and cleared. At the other end Shaw was making sure Smith was to get no more rope. What a game the left-back played! And pay tribute to Charlie Smith. He packed a punch all right. Then another goal and a most unexpected one. Biggs turned the ball back from the goal-line, and Armstrong snacked it home gloriously from twenty yards. Jerry hadnt a chance. That goal really improved the game. Rangers were always thereafter in the Aberdeen zone. But you always had the feeling of more danger in Aberdeens burst. In one of these Woodburn almost waded past his own keeper. Then Rangers penalty for a foul on Thornton by Dunlop. Biggs was the forager-in-chief for Aberdeen, and with Armstrong carried off the honours. Strauss, rampant at the start, was hemmed in later by Gray. Behind that the Dons were very sure. Adey played the game of his life. Rangers were not so well served. Very safe in the last two lines. Woodburn couldnt compare with Nicholson. The wing-halves, particularly McKillop were grand prompters. Forward only Venters was of champion class. Gilmour, working like a Trojan, has not yet linked up with his new mates. Venters missed an 85th minute penalty
