J Smith 20, 25, 30
Main
J Smith (2)
Match Information
Attendance: 14,000
Referee: H Watson (Glasgow)
Matchday: Saturday
Match Trivia
David against Goliath, but on this occasion the little fellow did not emerge triumphant from the duel. In point of fact, he was smitten hip and thigh, subjected to a slaughter that made one feel terribly sorry for him. The latter stages of the game were so hurtful to ones instinctive sympathetic feelings that long before the final whistle three-quarters of the 14,000 who witnessed the start of the game had taken their departure. Like takin toffee out a weans mooth, was one expression of opinion I heard regarding this victory of Rangers over Dunfermline. Certainly, it was achieved with the greatest measure of ease, and to be perfectly frank Rangers could have considerably increased their total with Smith creating a new individual record in goal scoring, but the Ibrox confederacy were merciful in their might. The game, as the score indicates, was a one-sided affair. Dunfermline, to a full throated roar set a hot pace, as though to rattle the opposition, to knock them off their balance, to destroy that precision of movement which is the predominating factor in their play. Rangers withstood the shock, and only a few minutes after the start were awarded a penalty-kick. Smith took it but fired straight at Steele. The Athletic, playing with an enthusiasm that roused the crowd, but with a ruggedness and complete lack of cohesion that mase the discerning onlookers appreciate the futility of it all, again went at it hammer and tongs, but any ambitions they had were dumped in the nineteenth minute when Smith ran through and slipped the ball past Steele, who threw himself at the Rangers centres feet. Rangers after that were completely on top. Goals came with regular frequency 24 minutes, Smith; 30 minutes, Smith; 35 minutes, Main (the best goal of the game); 50 minutes, Smith. All of Smiths goals came about in a manner something similar. When either McPhail or Macaulay got possession, the Athletic defence became as open as the broadest fairway on a golf course. Smith simply dashed ahead in anticipation and was on the spot to secure the leather. In the second half, Dunfermline scored, Rodgers converting a penalty-kick awarded for Gray using his arm to the ball. That happened eight minutes after the resumption. In 22 minutes Smith again found the net, and eleven minutes later he brought his bag to six. Goals were as easily shot as grouse will be tomorrow. Indeed, there were long periods when Rangers, knowing the game was good for them, took things easily. They played like a great team, and apart altogether from the fact that they were opposed to giant-killers in theory alone, they impressed me as a lot certain to have another season of domination. Just as Bobbie Main had progressed, so will MacAulay. A youth this, with the greatest possibilities. Smith too is coming along in the proper manner. He seems good to me to have his critics shortly among those loudest in his praise. The rest well, they are as per usual. And now about Dunfermline. Thise who have the destiny of the club in their hands were earnest in their endeavour to field a team that would lay the foundation of a team that would keep First Division football int eh town. Yesterdays heavy defeat, no doubt, was a hard punch to them, but they must not take the count, or harbour ideas of doing so. When the players get to know one another better, and develop a deeper understanding, I am confident they will preform in the expected manner. Changes will be necessary, but these must be made gradually. Steele will be blamed for the needless loss of more than one goal, but it must be borne in mind that he was left too much exposed. The real trouble was at half-back. Neither of the wing half-backs were of any great use. Johnman spent the afternoon in chasing the ball and opponents, and McFarlane, woefully slow, and sadly lacking in pep, gave the impression of being out for a ninety minutes stroll. Neither Johnman nor McFarlane performed the tasks allotted to them. Between the pair was Reid, who was a grafter, strong and willing, but more than a little bit puzzled by the tactics he was asked to counter. Brown and Rogers, the backs, were weak in positional play. Both are of a type, preferring to take chances. One or other, if this pair are to keep their places, must show repose, and the aptitude to cover up. It was not a happy opening for Dunfermline, but I think there are better days in store form them, especially if they quickly develop a team understand. Smith missed a 5th minute penalty
