A Bennett 20
A Smith 43
Match Information
Attendance: 10,000
Referee: G.H. McKenzie (Glasgow)
Matchday: Saturday
Match Trivia
If the Rangers’ superiority over the Stirlingshire opponents was not very pronounced, they were certainly that little bit ahead in judgment and skill which justified their success. It is true that their goals were somewhat luckily obtained - each the result of a mistake in the defence – but they reflected a greater effectiveness in finishing on the part of the forwards of the winning side as compared with the Falkirk attacking line. Had the home forwards accepted their scoring chances they would not have been beaten, but a weakness in that respect brought its penalty of defeat. It was a game in which the half-back work on both sides reached a very high standard, and because of that any forward brilliance was not sustained. And yet there were individual flashes which brightened the picture, and roused the enthusiasm of the crowd. As a rule, however, the men in the middle divisions hold the upper hand, and it was probably just as well that they did, for weaker back play, taking it all over, is not often witnessed. Miskicking was frequent, and little judgement was shown in tackling by any of the four. So alert were the half-backs that one or other of them frequently covered up the mistakes of the backs. In this respect no one was more noticeable than Morrison, of the ground team, for in defence he played a remarkable game. He was not quite so successful in attack, for he frequently over kicked his forwards. Taken all over, he played a serviceable game, and a regular place ought to be found for him in the team, for he is as versatile as he is enthusiastic. McDonald was very clever, and McMillan did well, the line comparing favourably with that of the Rangers, where Gordon, Galt and Hendry were most successful. Much of the Falkirk forward play was spoiled by the frequency with which Robertson got into an offside position, but there were occasions which the entire line moved in splendid harmony. Particularly noticeable was one movement in the first half, when they carried the play on by means of a passing run, during which the ball went from the right to the left and was touched by all the five players. One felt sorry that a goal did not cap such a pretty piece of play, but Lock anticipated and intercepted the ball when it was at last centred by Weir. The latter and McNaught are quite clever youths, but they have a few things to learn yet. The local lad on the left frequently threw the whole attack out of great by doubling back when he ought to have centred the ball, and McNaught invited trouble by a desire to beat an opponent more than once. Croal and Logan were excellent men in their respective position. The former’s heading was a feature of the game, for he glided on the ball as accurately as if he had been giving a ground pass. Robertson was not seen as his best by any means, and yet he distributed the play very nicely at times. Where Falkirk were weak in attack the Rangers were strong – in the extreme positions. Smith did not waste a ball, his centring being executed with rare precision, and was always well times. Hogg had some thrilling runs, and he delivered the best shots of the afternoon, although none were successful. Reid was well held by Morrison, and seemed a little bit baffled near the close. For once he was completely off in his shooting. Bowie and Bennett were crafty supports to Hogg and Smith, varying their methods with puzzling effect. Perhaps the muddy surface and greasy ball accounted for the many mistakes of the backs. Law and Campbell were cuter than Orrock and Leishman. Stewart had a good deal more than Lock to do, and did it well, the Ranger accomplishing all that came his way in a confident manner. The first half was about midway through when the scoring opened. Hendry got the ball well out, and running in past his forwards shot for goal. Stewart could easily have saved, but Leishman attempted to kick clear, and instead deflected the ball past the goalkeeper. The second goal came just on the interval. Reid charged down a return by Orrock and ran close in to Stewart. His shot got the foot of an upright and returned to Smith who scored easily. Falkirk strove very hard for a goal in the second half, but their shooting was not deadly, and seldom on the mark. There was always more danger in the raids of the Rangers who played very confidently and cleverly towards the finish
