A Cunningham 20
T Cairns 25, 42
Orilley 88
Match Information
Attendance: 55,000
Referee: J.B. Stevenson (Motherwell)
Matchday: Saturday
Match Trivia
If Alloa Athletic sold their birth right when they decided to replay their Scottish Cup-tie at Ibrox Park, they sold it at a long price, as there was a gain a huge attendance. When Rangers put on the first goal in twenty-five, the Athletic seemed to have thrown away any chance that had in figuring in the next round. Although scarcely a match for their more experienced opponents, yet they put up a hard fight. Morton was well supplied with the ball both from Cairns and Henderson, and his speedy runs along the touchline always spelt danger. From one of his accurate centres, Henderson headed the ball against the post, with Caldwell well beaten. So aggressive had Rangers become, that Caldwell was forced to cling to the ball until he was fouled, and it was immediately after that, that Cunningham scored the opening goal with a hard drive, well out of Caldwell’s reach. The home forwards had the game well in hand by that time, and Alan Morton forced corner after corner. When Cairns added a second goal ten minutes after the first, the Light Blues were full value for the point. The inside left caught up a pass from Archibald, and from well out he sent in a hard shot, which gave Caldwell no chance. The visitor’s left wing then showed that they were not to be easily daunted, and when Grainger beat Manderson and shot in Robb had difficulty in clearing. Stirling was next in evidence, and a cross of his was badly mulled by Campbell, who shot harmlessly past. Meiklejohn, at the other end, with a terrific drive, struck the crossbar, and the ball went over. The Ibrox forward kept up the pressure, and their efforts could have but one reward, and they got it, although the goal Cairns scored just on the call of half-time gave slight cause for discussion, and although it had gone clearly into the net, it found a way through, but Referee Bell had no difficulty in awarding a goal. The second half, if more one-sided than the first had been, was also more strenuous and at one time there were three trainers attending to three wounded players. Henderson, of Alloa, and Meiklejohn had come into violent contact, and both were laid low for some time. Before they had come round Henderson, of the Rangers required the attention of another trainer. Cunningham, who was the brilliant man in the home vanguard, not only purveyed with accuracy to Archibald and Henderson, but his shooting was of the best, as Caldwell knew from the many awkward shots he had to deal with. As the forwards from the brewery town seemed to have capitulated, Godfrey tried a couple of shots from long distance, but Robb was given no anxiety with either. They came again, however, and first Crilly and then Wood essayed shots, but there was no sting in them. At fifteen minutes to go, Archibald from well out, sent in a low shot with terrific speed, and Caldwell was helpless to save. It was immediately after that probably the sensation of the match occurred. From the centre kick the Alloa forwards carried the ball to within shotting distance of Robb. Campbell centred accurately, and Crilly, the diminutive ‘Wasp’ scored the first and only goal scored by an Alloa team against the Rangers - a goal that will be remembered in the ‘Wee County’ long after the present team will have ceased from troubling so far as football is concerned. That was all the scoring, and the Light Blues finished easier winners than the score indicated. Robb had a fairly comfortable time in goal, as McCandless and Manderson were usually able to frustrate the efforts of the opposing forwards. Dixon kept a watchful eye on Crilly, while Bowie and Dixon had the whip-hand of their respective wings. Cunningham as last week, was a gain the forward who mattered most, but Alan Morton was a good second. Cairns was also prominent, and his two goals was a fitting climax to a brilliant display. Archibald and Henderson also did their bit. Caldwell could not be blamed for his team’s defeat, and considering the amount of work thrown on the backs they must also he held blameless, as the men in front were no match for the sharp-shooting Rangers. The display of the forwards was not so good as in the first game but taken all over the team as a whole died gamely.
