J Smith 30
Match Information
Attendance: 22,000
Referee: P Craigmyle (Aberdeen)
Matchday: Saturday
Match Trivia
Although Dundee made a great rally in the second half of their game with Rangers, they failed to penetrate what for a short period was a very shaky defence. It is a long time since I saw the Rangers rear-guard show such hesitancy, amounting at certain stages to a species of stage fright. If Dundee had pressed home their advantage at these periods of something akin to panic, there is no doubt they would have created the sensation that so many outside Rangers supporters are looking for. Rangers, however, managed to emerge from that second half assault the most exhilarating period of the afternoon, and one full of possibilities and excitement. Seldom has such enthusiasm been exhibited at Dens Park. Dundee, however, failed to penetrate, and except for this praiseworthy effort they were not a convincing attacking force. They were clearly inferior to the Rangers in craft, and their methods for getting the ball goalwards were entirely different to the sweet passing of the Rangers. Dundees principal weakness was forward, and also the wing halfs, but McCarthy must be excepted from any criticism, for he played a storming game throughout. Except that he did not frequently keep the ball on the ground in delivering it to the forwards, he was wonderful both in constructive and defensive tactics. The wing halfs, particularly Whyte, were repeatedly eluded by the Rangers forwards in what appeared to be the most simple way, and their passing generally left a great deal for improvement. The same rebuke can be administered to Campbell and Robertson, who frequently were passing to each other. The one really artistic figure in the Dundee Attack was Troup, who provided thrills, entertainment and a wonderful succession of fine passes right into the jaw of the goal. That none of these was converted was the responsibility of the inside forwards, particularly Campbell, who had an unhappy afternoon. Ritchie as a solo performer was distinctive, but as a supernumerary to Gavigan he was almost a complete failure. Gavigan never appeared to be in the game at all. Of the rangers it can be said that though they were pitted against a side that throughout employed spoiling tactics of a very effective type, they still were capable of exhibiting some particularly be=right flashes. Of the highest science of the game, except for his proverbial weakness of persisting in trying to score a goal from impossible positions, I think McPhail was the most polished of several polished artists in the Rangers side. Some of his forwards passes to Morton were so accurate that all Morton had to do was to run forward, and with the greatest of case take the ball in his stride. Morton also exhibited delightful craft and speed. At times he was able to trick his opponents by a hair-breadth. Smith flattered in the early stages only to fade away and become something of a disappointment in his cumbersomeness. He scored the only goal of the game from what was really a great shot by Archibald, but he later on showed that he had a good del to learn in adaptability. Marshall was probably the most abused man of the side, and while he seemed to be a great asset, he neglected Archibald, although when the outside right did get the ball, he did not show his characteristic penetration. All the other Rangers played up to reputation, and Meiklejohn, even although he shadowed Campbell very persistently, also found time for defence and attack. Rangers defence all over was not so oppressed as their opponents, but Hamilton deserved the profound thanks of the Rangers for his amazing save of a thunderous shot from Ritchie. Marsh also had a real storm of an afternoon. Generally speaking, he emerged with distinction. He cannot escape criticism of frequently fumbling with the ball, which provoked shivers among the Dundonians
