Main 22
Goodwin 59
Match Information
Attendance: 16,000
Referee: R.T. Murray (Stenhousemuir)
Matchday: Saturday
Match Trivia
The value of having an opportunist in the front line – and that particularly a centre – was perhaps never better demonstrated than at Pittodrie, where what looked as almost a certain reverse for the Rangers was turned into victory simply by the cleverness of Reid in snapping up a couple of changes with a minute. Up to this stage – fifteen minutes after the interval – the Ibrox men had undoubtedly been playing a secondary part in the game. All through the first half Aberdeen were much the superior lot, and it was quite in keeping with the run of play that the northerners should be leading at the interval; indeed with a little luck at close quarters they might have enjoyed a more substantial lead than that afforded by the single goal cleverly scored by Main after twenty minutes’ play. Displaying delightful combination, and backed up by a half-back line whose feeding was no less serviceable than their tackling, the home forwards gave a magnificent exhibition. For a time after the interval there was little change in the aspect of things, Aberdeen continuing to hold the upper hand, and the chances of increasing their lead looking very rosy. As if anxious to show their appreciation of a brilliant and daring save by Lock, however, Rangers gradually asserted themselves. Hogg, who up to this stage had been dwelling more or lea in obscurity, now figured largely in the picture, and it was following upon two splendid tried by the burly Englishman that the equaliser came – somewhat luckily, but nevertheless cleverly. From far out a drooping shot had been sent in to the Aberdeen goal, and so tardy was King in clearing his charge that Reid had custodian and ball in the net before the other players and spectators seemed to realise that the ball had not been sent down the field in safety. In a twinkling the Ibrox forwards were speeding towards King’s charge. Taking the ball well up to the corner flag, Smith crossed beautifully, and a header from Hogg gave Reid an opportunity which he did not hesitate to accept, and so in less than a minute Rangers had not only reduced the leeway, but put themselves on the lead, which though enjoyed to the end; was only retained with difficulty. Aberdeen made herculean efforts to save the game, but even at the expense of ‘kicking out’ the Ibrox defence refused to surrender. While Aberdeen were distinctly unfortunate to lose, Rangers deserve every credit for their performance. They accepted the only two real opportunities which offered, and therein lay their success. Reid by reason of his two goals, was undoubtedly the saviour of his side, but Smith and Bennett were by the cleverest of the Rangers forwards. The Darvel man’s dashes along the wing; and his accurate crosses, were a treat to witness, and Bennett was not far behind in effectiveness. Hogg came into the picture late, but he missed his usual partner, for Goodwin was but a fair substitute for Bowie. Gordon and Galt were the pick of a moderate half-back line and Campbell and Richmond, though kicking well, were somewhat easily beaten when hard pressed. Lock had several clever saves, and had no chance with the shot which beat him. What Bowie’s absence was to Rangers, Lennie’s was to Aberdeen, for the only weak spot in the team was at outside-left, where Neilson lacked the confidence and courage necessary for such an important occasion. In the first half Soye was the most outstanding forward on the field, but fell away in the second half. McIntosh put in a lot of useful work, and Main was a plodder all through. His goal was cleverly taken, and he was always in the tick of the fight. It was at half-back, however, that Aberdeen were best served. Wylie was magnificent, his clever tackling and placing being no less marked than his great head work. Wilson was in his element although opposed to perhaps the cleverest wing in Scotland, and Miller held the right wing pair well in check. Coleman’s play was quite up to international standard, and Hume, though mis-kicking on a few occasions player a serviceable game. But for the mistake which gave Rangers the equaliser King did well
