S Young
Hogg <45
W Reid
Match Information
Attendance: 18,000
Referee: unknown - to be confirmed
Matchday: Saturday
Match Trivia
Airdrieonians are entitled to congratulate themselves on the fact that they are the first team to extract a point from the Rangers since the present season set in. The result was particularly cheering to the home supporters in view of the absence of Templeman, the clever outside right, who, since he was signed, has shown remarkably consistent form for the Broomfield team. Dealing with the game as a whole, it must be conceded that on general play Rangers were probably due victory, but there were one or two features which merited Airdrie’s reward of a point. Primarily the success must be set down to the spoiling tactics of J Young, Murphy and Rafferty. This trio showed tireless energy throughout the game, and the outcome was that the opposing forwards were at no stage allowed to settle. Had they done so, the probability is that almost certain defeat would have been the provincial team’s lot. Still another circumstance which helped to secure for Airdrie, the match coveted point – since it was at the expense of the hitherto invincible Rangers – was the brilliance of the defence. Especially when the long pressure of the second half was being maintained on their charge they did magnificent service. Ewart, during the veritable bombardment of his goal, accomplished many brilliant and daring clearances. Airdrie opened strongly, and this undoubtedly inspired them with confidence. They had much the better of the initial exchanges, and when Sam young succeeded in beating Lock it was no more than they justly deserved. For a spell this reverse nettled the visitors, and during that time they were very much in the picture. Eventually Hogg, who was far and away their best forward, was able to get the equaliser before the interval arrived. It was a first-rate effort, and well worthy of a goal. The second half saw the visitors to much better advantage, but it likewise revealed the solidity of the home defence. They practically refused to be beaten, and their work was the best seen at Airdrie for quite a long time. When, indeed, Mackie scored a penalty there were visions of a sensational victory among the local enthusiasts, so successfully were the efforts of Reid and his supporters being baulked. Before the finish, however, Reid had the pleasure of contributing his usual goal – neatly taken from a judiciously placed corner kick by Hogg – and thus a most interesting and, nearing the end an ex citing and strenuously contested encounter ended in a draw. Summed up it was quite an equitable result, for if the visiting forwards failed to exhibit their customary virility and cohesiveness, Airdrie’s defence had not a little to do with the failure. There was a great deal to admire in the form of both Ewart and Lock, but the former had the far the most to do. The backs on both sides were steady, and methodical, but Bonthron and Mackie caught the eye more simply because they were called upon more frequently. Bonthron has evidently come to stay at Airdrie. The half-backs all over created a most favourable impression, and they had invariably the mastery over the forwards opposed to them. Rafferty and Murphy for Airdrie, and Galt and Gordon for Rangers, were outstanding for uniform excellence. Of the forwards Hogg was not excelled by any other on the field. He was the one conspicuous success in a line which did not knit together well, and which certainly showed form a long way under their reputed standard. Bowie was not at his best, but his absence for some weeks would probably account for any deficiency so far as he was concerned. The play, however, of Reid, Bennett and Smith would doubtless be disappointing to those who know the abilities of the trio. The Airdrie attack was well led by Sam Young, and the goal his side and himself the necessary confidence to bring off the eminently satisfactory performance. Stothers made quite a good partner to Thomson, and Airdrie are fortunate in possessing two such capable men for the same position as he and Templeman. Williams is improving rapidly, and this lad bids fair to make a name for himself. Cole and Thomson did their part fairly well.
