Moffat 20
S Archibald 86
Match Information
Attendance: 15,000
Referee: WG Holborn (Glasgow)
Matchday: Saturday
Match Trivia
Only some twelve minutes remained for play when Rangers obtained the equaliser, and take it from me, they had to fight hard for it. Those Hamilton defenders were heroes, everyone of them, and it was a deceptive Archibald lob – one of those puzzling, drooping balls that mesmerise many goalkeepers – that brought joy to the Ibrox crowd. But though the goal came so late on it was long overdue for the Rangers peppered the Academicals’ goal almost incessantly in the second half. In the earlier period too, there was no questioning the superior driving force of Fleming and company, but all the time they were faced by a defence that never wavered. Binnie and his backs had truly a hectic day, and they emerged with the greatest credit. I would also bracket Watson’s name with the heroic defenders. An injury to Rae compelled changes in the Hamilton team, and it proved a wise move to place Watson in the pivotal position. He kept a constant watch on Fleming and in a general defensive capacity was second to none. The Academicals were seldom seen in an aggressive role. The liveliest period was in the first half, following a twenty minutes’ bombardment by the Rangers, and by spreading themselves out and parting smartly with the ball they gave the Ibrox defenders many anxious moments. It was in one of these electric raids that their goal was notched. Tonner brought the ball along, and what time Gray and McCandless were hesitating Howe rushed in and shot. Tom Hamilton saved, but the ball went out to Moffat, who returned it into the net. Some time elapsed before Rangers got into their stride again, but once they did the Academicals’ defenders were kept uncomfortably busy. A low drive from Meiklejohn was diverted into the net by Fleming, but the centre was adjudged offside. Immediately after the Ibrox men swarmed round Binnie’s goal, and McMillan netted, but again the point was disallowed for Morton having interfered with the custodian. Next minute still another goal was knocked off, this time at the Rangers’ end. Moffat fastened on to a McKay pass and went on to beat Hamilton, but the referee pulled him up for offside. These incidents were crowded into the closing minutes of the first half, and excitement among the crowd was at a high pitch, which was maintained right up to the finish. With Rae hirpling on the right touchline, it was not to be expected that the home men would sparkle as an attacking force, and it was a case of everyone a defender. The Rangers tried every wile to bring about a goal, and there were numerous thrilling scrimmages around Binnie’s citadel. Midway in this half, McMillan went to right half, and McPhail partnered Morton, allowing Cunningham to resume his partnership with Archibald. At last, a goal accrued, a drooping ball from Archibald falling over the goal-line at the far-away post. Rangers made a desperate bid in the closing minutes for another goal, and a rocket drive from Cunningham just topped the bar. It was fitting that the Rangers’ goal should come from Archibald, who was the most enterprising forward on his side. Morton too, played well, but Fleming was shadowed throughout, and got few openings. Meiklejohn was the best of the half-backs. Binnie, Hunter, Johnstone, Watson and McKay were outstanding in an Academicals eleven that merits praise for defensive qualities
