Fleming 9
Renfrew 20, 21, 38
Nicholson 83
Match Information
Attendance: 2,000
Referee: J Thomson (Hamilton)
Matchday: Saturday
Match Trivia
Rangers, marvellous to tell, were a trifle lucky to take both points away from Cowdenbeath. Indeed, but for two slips, which meant goals, by young Scott, the Fife custodian, it is highly doubtful if the champions would have made up their half-time deficit. As there were the equalising and winning goals, they show how close the scratch Cowdenbeath team came to creating a first-class sensation. The elements played a big part in the game. The huge expanse of unsheltered Central Park placed the ball at the mercy of the rain-laden wind, and Rangers, being set to face this first half, were knocked out of gear. Rangers got the opening goal through Fleming who dribbled for position, with a return off the goalkeeper, to score a point-blank goal in ten minutes, and it was this that nearly proved their undoing. The turf was quite suitable for studied football, and Rangers proceeded to attempt it, apparently forgetting that the other conditions were not at all adapted to it. On the other hand, Cowdenbeaths more primitive methods were the paying ones in the circumstances, and Rangers found themselves two goals down seven minutes from half-time. Taking the ball first time, the Fifers made full use of their advantage. Renfrew got the three goals in a row, a perfect hat-trick. The first, and best, was from a great cross shot, the second came by pushing through a low right-wing cross which Jenkins half-handled, and the third was yet another tribute to positional sense, Renfrew taking the ball on the volley as it rattles about a confused defence following a partial clearance by Jenkins. At this point, with the score 3-1 against them, Rangers position was definitely alarming. It required three goals to win and only both points were in Rangers reckoning. McPhail grasped the situation immediately. Discarding combined play for effect, he went through on his own in a characteristic dribble which took him clear in front of goal after evading several opponents and deliberately placed his shot into the side of the net. This considerably eased matters for Rangers, as with only a goal to pull up in the second half against a make-shift defence, it was generally expected they would swamp Cowdenbeath. The early second half confirmed this opinion, the Fife defence being over-run and it seemed only a matter of minutes until their goal would fall. Rallied by Feeney, however, their resistance stiffened and Rangers close methods and disinclination to shoot discounted all the pressure. Simpson joined up in the attack and it was he who had the equalising goal in 13 minutes, heading in from Mains corner-kick. This was the first of Scotts fatal blunders. He appeared to have the ball well covered as it came low into the middle of the goal, but unaccountably let it pass into the net. It was ten to one on Rangers now, but the plucky Fifers forgot the odds. Not only was their defence resilient, but their forwards actually disputed which team should get the winning goal in recurring raids. This double anxiety did Rangers no good, and they never hit their true game. It was more or less an improvised tussle, but surprisingly exciting as play drew to a close. Nine minutes from time, Scott gave Rangers the points through his second blunder. Nicholson got the ball at the outer corner of the penalty line. He did not appear to make up his mind and kicked out at the ball in seemingly aimless fashion. It became a high and not difficult shot, but again Scott let the leather glide off his hands into the net. The lowly Fifers took more credit out of the game than Rangers, everything considered, and their plucky display merited some reward. They had to field a hotch-potch eleven, having three backs on the injured list, and Bingham, a Junior half-back, was drafted in on the right. This lad, be it said, rose to the occasion in splendid fashion. What chance had this scratch side against mighty Rangers, and the fair enough result scarcely gives the Fifers credit. Feeney, and in a minor way, Bingham take highest honours in defence. Scott offset some very good saves by his tragic lapses, possibly accounted for by lack of experience. I would advise him to always endeavour to get his body behind his elementary rule in good goalkeeping and would prevent a repeat of his two fatal lapses. Glancy and McCurley were always seeking the move ahead, and Renfrew was a stylish leader. His three goals apart, he played a useful, clever game. Robertson and Hamill were stout raiders, and ably seconded the efforts of Renfrew. Hamill is a remarkable good player and would be an asset to any team. Very strong and speedy, he would become a terror to backs. Rangers were never pleased with themselves and came off the field with relief. Jenkins nervousness did not allow him to do himself justice, and he was particularly fidgety with low balls. It must be remembered; however, his former experience was unsuited to the conditions. Gray and McDonald passed muster though three goals were conceded, but Rangers big man was undoubtedly Simpson, who is much improved in general work. Neither Brown nor Meiklejohn was clever but not much in it, and Nicholson was the busier winger. It was not a game to inspire writing about, and the only recollection worthwhile is Cowdenbeaths plucky resistance against seeming overwhelming odds
