Fleming 56
Watson 71
Match Information
Attendance: 10,000
Referee: G.A. Feol (Stirling)
Matchday: Saturday
Match Trivia
The amazing finish was one of the few features of this game. The last kick at the ball gave Airdrie the equalising goal, but unfortunately for Onians, that kick was some seconds late. As there was some doubt as to whether the referee had or had not disallowed the point and many spectators were left wondering about the exact result, I made it my duty to interview the referee after the game and this is what he said:- I blew my whistle for the finish and only took time for breath to keep it blowing during that hot assault on Rangers goal. This was certainly several seconds before the ball was netted. There was confirmation of this from the action of several of the Rangers player, particularly Brown, slowing up, and one of the linesmen actually went on to the field after the whistle. An Airdrie player also admitted hearing the finishing signal, the referee told me. It was dashed hard luck on Airdrie, but I am convinced they have no grievance at the Referee. The plucky display they put up against obviously superior opposition gave the game all its favour. Though defeated, Airdrie should take much nourishment from the game. It brought them a team sense they have not possessed for long. No player stood out above his fellows. It was a common cause, and there was an entire absence of self-effort the first rule in team work. I can see the makings of a great player in Watson, however. Another McPhail maybe, from Broomfield way. He has the ready shot which reveals the quick brain so essential to a class footballer, though he has a lot to come. The terrier tackling of Crosbie and his mates had almost everything to do with Rangers comparative ineffectiveness after so much outfield superiority. Wilsons goalkeeper could not have been bettered; but I advise him that ball juggling is all very well in practice, not in League games. In the circumstances of lashing rain, skidding ball and slithery surface, play was uneven and sometimes as dreary as the weather. Only Airdries gallant fight and Rangers belated opening goal sustained interest; but the battling finish made up for everything. Rangers played some very good football, but it was irregular; and they did not give their usual impressive display of team work. For instance, the right attack was far stronger than the left. McPhail did not get along too well with Gillick, and Fleming was almost slavish in his service to Main. Smiths thrust was missed, especially in the first half. Macaulay was the dandy footballer, oftener on the ball than any, and mastering its difficulties with compelling ease. Brown was strangely awry with his passes, and Kennedy was more in harmony with his wing. Simpson remarkably so in the absence of Meiklejohn. Was more enterprising then usual and had the laugh on everybody by heading the winning goal. Dawson was class in every action and had hard luck in losing the goal. Gray was also a bit unfortunate in providing the opening. Pressed by several opponents in clearing a free-kick, he beat them all to it in getting in his header, but it was only a half-hit and the ball fell in Watsons track. Fleming opened the scoring three minutes after half-time, a rather lucky count, as he got only the crown of his head to Mains high cross, and the ball took a beautiful arc into the top corner. Rangers played more than ever with conscious superiority following this, but got a shock when Watson equalised 20 minutes after the interval. A tepid foul against Brown led up to it, and Watson took Grays half-clearance, as already described, and shot through a ruck of players. Dawson had been misled, yet the ball had to strike his diving body before reaching the net. Simpson got the winner ten minutes from time following a double corner.
