English 10
B McPhail 13
Missed Penalties
English pen miss
Match Information
Attendance: 13,000
Referee: J Hudson (Glasgow)
Matchday: Wednesday
Match Trivia
Up to the last kick the result at Brockville was in doubt. Two goals down at the interval, Falkirk looked a well-beaten side, but they gained confidence and courage after Hamill had converted a penalty in the early minutes of the second half. Thereafter the Bairns strove grandly to draw level, and had Morgan, and Stevenson in particular, made full use of their scoring chances it is problematical how Rangers might have fared at the finish. In the first half the Ibrox men showed delightful touches. McPhail and Nicholson were on one of their happiest moods, and some of their combined runs were very cleverly executed. Marshall and Fleming did not link up with the same freedom of movement the outside-right being somewhat slow in getting off his mark. English was always in position and ready, and his first scoring chance came in ten minutes. He took it. In attempting to return a goal-kick taken by Dawson, Low slipped, and the Rangers centre was after the ball like lightning and ran it on to place put of Thomsons reach. Seldom were Falkirk within shooting distance of the Rangers goal at this period, but in one of their raids Dawson experienced trouble in clearing a Morgan drive. Rangers second goal, collected by McPhail after 33 minutes, followed one of the best bits of play in the game. He smartly trapped a dainty pass from Nicholson, and in a 30 yards solo run eluded several opponents before smashing the ball into the net. Falkirk had an opportunity to reduce the lead four minutes later when Miller was upended in the penalty area. Stevensons feeble shot from the spot, however, was easily stopped by Dawson. A surprise turn came over the game after the turn. In the third minute Meiklejohn handed, and Hamill made no mistake with the penalty kick. Fortified by this success the Bairns for the next quarter of an hour gave Rangers defence no rest. Dawson was frequently in action and distinguished himself on several occasion. But there were other times when he should not have been given the semblance of a chance. Stevenson was the chief sinner, but he was not the only one. Once he crossed a low ball which was allowed to pass across the field with never a friendly foot to tap it home. As the game advanced Rangers gradually opened out again, but there was an almost entire absence of their first half understanding and power. Nicholson was about the only one to find the road to goal, and Thomson did well to hold an express drive, which developed a curl, form the left winger. Another penalty the third of the match was awarded this time to Rangers for English being brought down. English took the kick himself, but his shot hit the inside of the post and rebounded into Thomsons hands. The closing minutes were crammed with incidents at both ends and the game finished on a high note of excitement. Individual work was at a discount in this tussle, which became somewhat fiery in the second half. Temper was on tap and many minor casualties called for the trainers. Falkirk must be given praise for their second half display. Only then did their half-backs get anything like a grip on the Rangers forwards, and right well did Gallagher and his colleagues respond to the excellent services from Kennedy, Low and Hutchison. Patsys generalship was invaluable, and the others developed a sprightliness which caused the Ibrox defence no end of anxiety. Scobbie and Hamill were splendid backs, especially in the first half, and Thomson brought off many fine clearances. So also did Dawson at the other end later on, but Gray and McAulay found the pace just too hot at times. The middle trio too did not maintain their first half dominance, with the result that the forwards had to forage too much for themselves and not with much success. Stevenson missed 37th minute penalty and English missed a second half penalty
