Aitken
Unknown (2)
Match Information
Attendance: 11000
Referee:
Matchday: Monday
Match Trivia
Holiday-markers who went to Dens Park in the thousands to witness the game between Dundee and Rangers had an experience which, like the curate’s egg, was only ‘good in parts.’ The weather was miserable, but, fortunately for the promoters of the attraction, the atmospheric wash-out did not take place until a few minutes before the kick-off. In the game itself, however, there were occasionally incidents which were sufficiently stirring to make the enthusiasts forget the discomforts of the rain and the wind. The best of these, perhaps, was found when Brown immediately replied to the Rangers’ first-minute surprise with an equally good goal. Of another kind but having the same effect on a sensitive spectatorate were incidents in which the zest of the encounter put some tempers out of control, but due mainly to the continued bad weather anticipation of the game proved to be a good deal in advance of realisation. Dundee won, and not undeservedly, but their play had a great many ragged edges not found in the Ibrox pattern. As a matter of fact one could not help forming the impression of the Rangers, that, however seriously Dundee regarded the match, the visitors at all events had not the same high estimate if it value. In the momentary glimpses if their true form which the Rangers gave they exhibited a skill in combination and understanding which could scarcely be expected of Dundee under present circumstances. It takes more than one and even a couple of swallows to make a summer, and Dundee supporters who looked for a veritable transformation as the result of the presence of Brown and McIntosh in the team were doomed to disappointment. Both paid their way – no more and no less. The boring tactics of Brown’s individualism formed the most noticeable feature of the centre’s exhibition. He was tireless and remarkable successful worker considering that he was opposed to Dixon, a centre-half who gives little away. McIntosh opened quietly, and improving gradually, he worked up to a strong finish. Critical eyes watched two more trialists for Dundee – a goalkeeper, and an inside right. Comparisons were inevitable from the fact that only on Saturday the same positions in the team were filled by players whose capabilities the Dundee Directors desired to know. If anything, yesterday’s couple were better than their predecessors. The goalkeeper, who was Scott, of Forfar Athletic, gave quite a good display, but the test to which he was subjected could scarcely be termed severe. As for Walker, the inside-right, he did not appear to be very well endowed with speed – probably he suffered from lack of training – and he did not distinguish himself as a shot, but there was just that something in his display which would warrant the ‘talent-spotter’ asking for him another chance. His credentials at all events, are excellent. He is a junior international from the Rutherglen district. Troup was the best of the Dundee forwards. He was clever on the ball, and the occasions were rare when he tried to be over-clever. Versatile George Philip made for him quite a useful partner. Many opportunities went Henderson’s way, but the good which the Forfarian did in the first half in the way of accurate crossing was buried with the first period, and the evil of his rash finishing in the second period probably lived a good deal longer. This fault in Henderson’s play should easily be rectified. In the Dundee mid-line Roy McDonald and Stuart worked to good purpose. ‘Napper’ Thomson, in his true position on the right, was the best back afield. As a back Stirling was moderately good in the first half, although he made a number of very weak returns, and unfortunately, his opportunity in the second period was greatly restricted on account of an accident, which caused him to retire suffering from sight concussion, and a wound in the forehead. Lock’s display in the Rangers goal was, as usual, clever and daring. In dick and McQueen the Ibrox club has two clean-limbed, fleet and sturdy backs. The mid-line was at strength, Walls being about the pick. Forward the Rangers had good men in the vital spots, inside-right and inside-left. Roberts of Renton, who is on the Ibrox list, was not very prominent. Archibald played nicely, and after a few flashes in the first half Joe Donnachie seemed to settle down to touch-line retirement.
