Unknown (4)
Unknown (5)
Match Information
Manager: No Permanent Manager
Attendance: unknown - to be confirmed
Referee: unknown - to be confirmed
Matchday: Saturday
Match Trivia
The popular game has not for years opened under more unfavourable circumstances than it did the present season. With Portland smashed and the Athletic at the opening all but smashed the lookout was anything but brisk. The only hope seemed towards the Rugby Park men and their start was certainly one of the best. The St Mirren downfall following so soon after the thrashing the Athletic received at the hands of the Kilmarnock upset the hopes of even the most sanguine supporters and the majority of the crowd on the Holm Quarry on Saturday anticipated another crushing defeat to the Ayrshire champions of last year. On the other hand great and small has fallen before the Kinning Park men. They had conquered the powerful by chance and the weak by ability and they were bent on a further run of victories evidently when they were so keen to fulfil their fixture with such team as the Athletic whom they well knew to be in a crippled state. It was not with then a question of win or loss it was a matter of how many goals. Their team as will be seen from the names above was a picked one composed for the most part of men who had defended their interests on ‘bigger’ occasion. Supported by the ‘prince of goalkeepers’ and backs and halfbacks of admitted merit with very nimble forwards, it was a goose to a hen-pick when the red men kicked off that they would be thoroughly lashed. But the Athletic did not by any means settle down to dodge the elements; they rather forced the game and were the first to look dangerous. It was not to be however and nine and eighteen minutes respectively found the Rangers adding goals to their credit sharp shooters too and beautifully taken counts they were though at times erratic. Athletic kicking aided their opponents and made it an easy task to rattle of at goal. In the first half two other goals were scored by the Rangers but before the call of time after the forwards had a fine run against the wind one of the Athletic forwards scored a neat goal from along shot. Change of ends brought change of fortune with a vengeance and the Athletic were soon down in full force right in front of Gillespie’s charge. Shots after shots was sent in and repelled, till about seven minutes had gone and the Athletic registered their second count. Some time after a third was got amidst great enthusiasm, the Rangers being now evidently out of the match and it was only a matter of time as to the number of goals. Gillespie did some capital work ere the fourth count was made, the scrimmage in front of goal being most exciting and the great man having it pretty hot at times. Latterly the fourth goal proclaimed the teams on equal terms but the bloodthirsty supporters seemed inclined to give no quarter and shouted on their men for a victory, which was shortly, afterwards secured the Athletic winning a very fast and exciting game by 5 goals to 4. Inglis never handled the ball in the second half and on the whole the Athletic had slightly the advantage. The Rangers play was most nimble but the Athletic men were by far the strongest and towards the close had their men well wrought out. The Athletic team played better their coolness and precision in front of goal being quite unusual. Pettigrew at back kicked in splendid fashion and his weight was at times felt. We are sorry it is the case but are quite confident the present Rangers team will not sustain the great name the club had of yore
