J Smith
David
Match Information
Attendance: 10,000
Referee: A. H. Leishman (Falkirk)
Matchday: Saturday
Match Trivia
Despite the fact that they lost the toss and had to play against half a gale in the first half at Pittodrie, Rangers never looked like losing at Pittodrie. They well deserved their win, for throughout they were the more methodical team. As a combination, Aberdeen were not in the same street. A little bit of Yorston in the first half might have made a world of difference, for while young David was full of go, and harassed the Ibrox defenders, he lacked that nippiness which is Yorstons own. Rangers were maybe fortunate to be on level terms, with no goals scored at half-time, because their goal had run many narrow escapes. Tom Hamilton has never been seen to better advantage. He had three wonderful saves from Dickie, Love and Legge. On the other hand, there were many brilliant moves by the Rangers left trio, and Steve Smith executed great saves from Morton, McPhail and Smith. It was after this that the Rangers took a grip. Sandy Archibald got off to send over one of his old-timers, and Smiths header beat his namesake, who appeared to be slow in getting down, and made his one mistake in an afternoons brilliant work. For a time, Aberdeen were lost, and Steve Smith performed prodigies. Then the Dons rallied Bob McDermid let Love away, from the wingers brilliant centre David got home with a great header. Rangers then made a strategic change that probably won the game, Meiklejohn changed placed with Simpson, and the outcome was that the Ibrox attack dominated the play for the remainder of the game. Aberdeens doom was sealed when Jackson deflected an Archibald cross past his own keeper. Subsequently Smith netted after the whistle had gone for offside, and Marshall had another net-finder disallowed because of a previous foul. But all doubts were settled when Marshall shot a brilliant third goal from 25 yards. Aberdeen fluttered now and again but were well beaten. Smith was great on goal, and while he ought to have saved his namesakes header, he executed many brilliant saves. Jackson and Legge lacked understanding with one another. McLaren was below form at centre-half, and Hill, after a fine first-half display, faded out. Black was easily the best of the home middlemen. Over the game, Aberdeens attack disappointed, but it was not Loves fault, as he never wasted a ball, and made ground whenever possible. McDermid, who was none too fit, played his usual heady game. Dickie often clever in the outfield, found his lack of weight a great handicap at close quarters, although he must be given credit for two grand shots in the first half. McLean put over some good crosses without being at his best, while David, none too well supported, made quite a good appearance as leader of the attack, and took his goal brilliantly. Tom Hamilton was a splendid goalkeeper for Rangers, while Bob Hamilton was superior to Gray, the Irishmans kicking being superb. Simpson was good at centre-half, and not so good at right-half, while Meiklejohn, if not so sprightly as of yore, was quietly effective all through. Brown endeared himself to the Pittodrie crowd by a captivating display being brilliant both in attack and defence. Every Rangers forward carried a shot in his locker. That was where they were superior to the home quintette. Morton faded out in the second half, but his mazy runs early on were reminiscent of his best days. Archibald was slow, but his shooting was good, and he was responsible for the first two goals by his accurate crossing. Marshall on occasion showed brilliant footwork, and his goal was a beauty. McPhail was splendid all through, and young Smith continues to improve. The centre was always dangerous, and had he been less unselfish might have scored more than once
