A Cunningham
J Speirs
RG Campbell pen
Rombech
O'Rourke
Match Information
Attendance: 8,000
Referee: J Muir (Motherwell)
Matchday: Saturday
Match Trivia
With the exception of the forwards, there was equality in the various divisions of the opposing teams at Airdrie. The home attack, controlled by an inexperienced pivot, was slow and cumbersome, and contrasted unfavourably with the nippy and speedy lot representing the city team. At the interval the Rangers led by the solitary goal scored, got by Cunningham. The home attack displayed greater vitality on resuming, and some purposeful work – their most conspicuous effort of a concerted character in the game – culminated in O’Rorke equalising. Stimulated by their success and with the reappearance of Ferguson, who had been in the pavilion with an injury since before the interval, the Airdrieonians attacked strongly. Dargue and Graham both tested Newbigging with good shots, but the latter was more fortunate in dealing with them than was Duncan a few minutes later, when Spiers accepting a timorous cross from Smith, sent the ball into the net. The more effective style of the Ibrox forwards, despite the absence of Kyle, was demonstrated at this stage, and for a time the home defence was in difficulties. Eventually the Airdrieonians wore down the pressure, but the reorganised front line did not impress. Better play, however was shown when Graham essayed the role of pivot and Gracie partnered Ferguson on the right. The impetuous Airdrie rushes had a disconcerting effect on the Rangers defence. Ferguson had the goal at his mercy when he was badly fouled, and from the resultant penalty Rombach made the score once more equal. Following this lay veered round in favour of the Rangers, whose forwards exhibited clever, and pretty touches. They got what their play was full value for, although the reward came in form of a penalty-kick, which Campbell converted. The score was a fairly satisfactory one, representing the difference in the respective attacks. Both sides improved on recent form. Of the home lot the most useful were Duncan, Rombach, Findlay, Dargue and Graham. Gracie was disappointing at centre, O’Rorke was in moderate form. Jackson although erratic the start, improved as the game advanced. Campbell however was the better back. The halves all did well, Stark especially so. Much of the ineffectiveness of the home forwards as due to the breaking-up tactics of this trio. Smith was in rampant form on the wing, and Spiers a good second. The others did uncommonly well
