Chapman
Unknown
Match Information
Attendance: 9000
Referee:
Matchday: Thursday
Match Trivia
Scandinavian Tour. We left Gothenburg with no regrets, the company being in a very sedate frame of mind when they arrived at the station. After the game of the previous evening, with all its little incidents, had been fully discussed, we had time to remember that this was a holiday tour. One thing the players are unanimous about id that after the refereeing experienced at Gothenburg they should be easier pleased with the officials at home. As we got further south the land became more of an agricultural nature. Whilst there was still a lot of trees, it was not of such size as to be of any marketable value, except probably for pulp. Nothing of any note took place until Halsingborg was reached, where we had the experience of crossing the seas in a boat without leaving the train. It requires quite a large steamer to act as ferry, and as it is sometimes very rough, all the most up-to-date methods of seasickness can be had on board the train. Fortunately when we arrived at Helsingor there was nothing wrong, and there was just time to get our luggage ready for inspection at Copenhagen. Our first impression of the city as we drove to Hotel Phoenix was such as to make us willing to endorse the good reports expressed by Messrs Bennett and Richmond, who have been on tour here before. Copenhagen, besides being the only fortress in Denmark, is the Capital, the seat of the Government, Law Courts, and the residence of the King. There are over 500,000 inhabitants, who are well catered for in way of amusements. The theatres and Opera House are closed just now for the summer, but with concert halls and the Tivoli Gardens there is no lack of entertainment. The Tivoli can be entered by payment of 50 ore, which is little over sixpence in our coinage, and for that sum a variety show, with the staging as good as any had at home, and a splendid (indeed, gorgeous is the word) concert hall, with an orchestra numbering over 60 performers, can be enjoyed. There is no lack of side-shows, joy-wheel, flying machines, and a large dancing hall, where confetti is thrown about in quite a lavish manner, the admission being from 10 to 25 ore. Mr Gaudill, the editor the sporting paper here, showed us round. He at one time played, and was in the Copenhagen team which met the Rangers at Vienna a few years ago. Alex Smith and he renewed acquaintance and had a talk over old times. Wednesday was fully taken up visiting some of the many sights of this beautiful city. We reached the Kings’ palace in time to see the changing of the Guards, then wound up the forenoon by visiting the Marble Church. The next turn was the Fish Market, and here we saw something new. After being netted the fish are put into flat-bottomed barges with perforated sides. The hatch is then closed, and the barges are then towed into the city. The fish are then lifted put by means of nets similar to those used at home for landing, are then classed, and put into larger barges. They are thus kept alive in the salt water until required. In the evening Klampinborg was visited. This place is situated in the heart of a dense forest. A carnival is carried on the whole summer; every sort of a show is to be seen, the little cafes, with a stage from four to six artists, sitting on chairs, singing in turn to the accompaniment of a jingling piano, seemed very popular. If one is not inclined to be fastidious upon party managed it. About a mile from Klampinborg is Huidore, where Queen Alexandra owns a stately mansion on the shore. Thursday has been spent very quietly, as out first game here is on tonight at 7 pm. At every corner hills are to be seen announcing the fact that ‘THE SCOTLANDERS HAVE ARRIVED,’ ‘Glasgow Rangers’ Master Football Players.’ The football ground is owned by the city, and over £10,000 has been spent by the authorities in erecting stands, etc. The grandstand has a splendid front elevation, and the players’ room are fitted in the most up-to-date manner. The ground is therefore common property, and the use of it can be had for any sport on payment of a percentage of gross drawings. Football at present costs 10 per cent, but next year it is to be increased to 20 per cent. The turf at Ibrox had to be as its best to equal the playing pitch, and if an excuse is needed for a defeat here, it certainly cannot be found with the ground. In an enclosure outside the field accommodation is made for the storage of cycles. About 2,000were in, and on holiday, if a good match is on, it is nothing unusual for 5,000 to be left, and all that is charged is 10 ore, equal to a penny. There was quite a large crowd when the Rangers turned out. Prince Aage was present. The Danes kicked off. Reid intercepted the pass, and broke through, but found the centre-half too much for him. The Rangers continued to fully hold their own. Gordon and Bowie on the right were playing strongly, but the height and weight of the Danish defence was rather much for them. We can learn the Danish players no tricks. They play good, clean football, are fast on the ball, and have plenty of size and weight. The centre-half stands about 6ft 2in, and is one of the most finished half-backs playing. The game was very fast, both goalkeepers having good saves, but no scoring took place in the first half. The Danes started very strongly in the second half, the half-backs forcing the game to some purpose, the centre-half working like a Trojan. Our fellows found him a stiff hurdle to get over, and when at last the outside right broke away, eluding Hendry and beating Richmond, scored a grand goal, the Danes only got their due. The ‘Light blues’ had their work cut out for them to equalise, the Danish defence being solid more ways than one. The goalkeeper brought off two great saves from shots by Reid and Smith, but it was left to Chapman to equalise with a hard drive after running from midfield. This finished the scoring, the game ending in a draw – Rangers 1; Copenhagen Select 1. The teams dined together after the game – Mr Tylow, of the Danish Association, being in the chair. Mr Katberg in a very cordial manner welcomed us to Copenhagen, and thanked out team for the fine exhibition of football that had given. Mr Wilton replied
