Coats 26, 38
T Craig 75
Match Information
Attendance: 19,000
Referee: M.C. Hutton (Glasgow)
Matchday: Saturday
Match Trivia
On the days play, Dundee were quite worthy of their unexpected victory over Rangers at Dens Park. The enforced left-wing changes played havoc with Rangers teamwork. Not only was the left flank affected, but throughout the side there was an amazing lack of understanding. The players never appeared to find each other, and all their movements were of a makeshift character not usually associated with an Ibrox side. Dundee, however, must be congratulated on making the most of their opportunity. They were far from being an excellent team, but all were enthusiastic triers and realised their limitations. Dundees key men were McCarthy and Kirby. McCarthy was probably brought back to the team to counter Smith, and not only did he accomplish this, but he smashed up every attempt at inside forward play with head and feet. Kirbys confident raiding was inspiring to his mates and a nuisance to Meiklejohn, who missed Marshall. Macaulay did not appear powerful enough to challenge the strong Dundonians and played a very subdued game. Coats paid his way by his opportunism. Both his goals were smartly snapped at fleeting chances, especially the first, as the ball came awkwardly at him when a right-wing cross was deflected off McDonald. Most of Dundees power sprang from the half-backs, who forced play at every opportunity. Young Russell, an ex-Ranger, won his spurs. He harassed Macaulay all over the place and had a quick eye for the long-opening pass. Symon was mighty in his interventions and the constant urge to the attack. The Dundee middle line, as a whole, was responsible for most of Rangers ragged forward play. Meiklejohn was not in his usual masterful mood. His opponents discarded the orthodox advance and Dave too often found play running behind him. After half-time when Rangers were two goals down, Simpson left off the third back game and came down among the forwards. This added rather to the attacking confusion and left too clear a way for the Dundee raiders. Simpson, however, was often Rangers sheet anchor in defence, and none of the goals came down the middle. The least said about Rangers forward play the better. Neither individually nor as a line were they recognisable, though Kinnear did reasonably well and may merit another trial. Smith discovered for once an opponent too strong for him in McCarthy, and Craig found the pace of a very hard game too heavy. Dundee took the lead in 26 minutes after many earlier signs of the goal coming. McKay crossed and the ball hit McDonald and went to Coats, who beat Dawson in soft-looking fashion with a half-hit ball into the top far side of the goal. Coats added No 2 seven minutes from half-time, rushing in and shooting over Dawsons body. Dundee looked like increasing their lead before the interval, but in the second half, Rangers altered their tactics and looked like saving the game. For a time, Dundee looked like cracking, but they regained their confidence through Rangers futile pressure. The game was rather unexciting to the critical neutral, and few were prepared for the terrific finish. Play had only 15 minutes to go and Rangers were still two down. A wide cross came over from Main, and craig met it on the penalty line to shoot a direct low shot into the side of the goal. On top of this, Symon rattled Rangers crossbar with a mighty free-kick, and Rangers hanselled this good fortune by running off to equalise. Macaulay had a terrific shot palmed out by Marsh, and Brown pounced on the ball for a lightning drive into the empty net. Dundee scored their third goal with eight minutes to go. McKay worked the ball near the bye-line past McDonald and shot with his left foot. He must have put spin on the ball, for though Dawson got to it, low down at the post, it twisted under his body and over the line. Rangers made strenuous closing efforts, but speculative shots by Main and Macaulay went very wide of the target. On the whole, it was a hard, sporting game, and handshakes were the order at the finish.
