Thomson (2)
Findlay
Match Information
Attendance: 7,000
Referee: R.J. Kelso (Hamilton)
Matchday: Saturday
Match Trivia
Up to the time that Findlay scored from a penalty kick, the Rangers seemed to have a thorough grip of the Airdrie attack, and while up to that stage a draw seemed the more likely result, the ‘Light Blues’ if anything had a slight advantage in play. From the moment, however that Mr RJ Kelso, the referee awarded the penalty, against Craig the Rangers were a demoralised force, and it was not surprising that Thomson should add two more goals for his side ere the game ended. In the first half Airdrie’s forwards were held, with comparative ease, and the deliveries which McArthur was called upon to deal with occasioned him little or no anaxiety. Indeed the home players found the bulk of their aggressive work neutralised by the Ibrox halves, who in this period of the game showed sterling play. Had they indulged in less finessing and discarded their ornate touches for more profitable methods on the fast, frost-bound field, the Rangers might have led at the interval. They had the greater proportion of chances on Saturday is traceable to their inability to clinch their opportunities. When they began to asset themselves the home forwards provided their opponets with an object lesson in the art of goal-getting. They rushed the Rangers defence to some purpose and never allowed the city club’s halves to settle. They were admirably backed up by Wardrop, McGran and Findlay, who did not seen affected in any disadvantageous way by the wear and tear of the holiday matches. Considering the flinty surface the game was creditable to both sides. A good pace was maintained, and this was accelerated when the referee awarded Airdrie a penalty kick. Among a section of the spectators the award did not meet with satisfaction. There was a partial break-in, but happily better counsels prevailed. And the match was allowed to proceed. Of the Rangers forwards Kyle caught the eye, and it was assuredly not his fault that his side’s goal register is represented by a cipher. Livingstone endeavoured constantly to make openings for Campbell, but the latter was neither methodical nor accurate in his marksmanship. Dickie and Steven made little progress, being generally well held by Findlay and Wardrop. Galt was the best of the halves, although the trio has credit by their play. Hendry and Craig defended well until the game degenerated to a rushing, rough and tumble affair, when they faltered and hesitated in their clearances. McArthur had little chance of saving any of the three shots, which beat in. Thomson in the somewhat novel position for him as pivot, was the life and soul of the home attack. He had two of the goals, and he distributed the play with judgment and coolness. Ward came next in order of merit, and the other three were moderately good. The fact however that the full complement of points was won was due to the defence, which was at its best when the Rangers were the aggressors. Duncan, Davidson and Rombach were throughout a tower of strength, while Wardrop pleased the critics in that he was quite the equal of McGran and Findlay, which is a compliment to him
