Fiddes 14
Thornton 62, 81, 84
Kinnear 73
Match Information
Attendance: 16,000
Referee: Peter Craigmyle (Aberdeen)
Matchday: Wednesday
Match Trivia
Not a game that will be classed as a Fir Park classic. Neither team gave of their best over the 90 minutes. Motherwell made a fight of it in the initial period, when after a poor start, they were a shade unfortunate not to ger on level pegging before the interval. Their non-success seemed to take the heart out of them, so puerile and lackadaisical were their efforts to hols the Light Blues. Rangers took advantage and took full toll and looked in the second period a clever side. But I cannot forget the fight they had to hold on to their early goal. During this period Dawsons goalkeeping was an inspiration. His anticipation in cutting out dangerous balls was well-nigh perfect. Rangers other bright star was Kinnear. The winger gave Grant a grand night. His speed made it easy for him to round the back, but more he was shrewd in his parting of the ball. As you will see by his leading-up work, that resulted in Rangers first three goals. Never have I seen Motherwell play so poorly. Frame was indecisive in his clearances and caused his defenders in front many anxious moments. McKenzie was the one player who could escape adverse criticism. He tried to get the Fir Park machinery working in rhythm, but his mated gave him little help. In the forward line, Motherwell were badly lacking in guile to open up Rangers defence. Twice in as many minutes in the opening stages, Frame caused much heartburning to the Fir Park faithful when he mis-fielded a couple of crosses. On both occasions the ball was scrambled clear more by luck than good judgment. Rangers dictated play and were much smoother when advancing in attack. Thornton and McPhail went near with a couple of praiseworthy efforts before Fiddes did the needful in 14 minutes. From a corner-kick by Kinnear, the inside-right headed past the helpless Frame. A valiant effort from Bremner, and a whiz-bang from McGillivray almost hit the target. Rangers only mode of attack was via Kinnear, who used his feet to advantage when faced with Grant. There was not much cohesive football shown after the turn. Each side being content to bang the ball upfield any old ay. Rangers advances were repeatedly frustrated by Motherwells off-side tactics. A little bit of football by McPhail, who had been seen mostly in a defensive role, brought about Rangers second goal in 17 minutes. He eluded a couple of opponents before parting to Kinnear. The wingers cross was completely misjudged by the keeper, and Thornton had a simple job heading into a tenantless goal. This counter upset Motherwell, and Rangers came right on top, Kinnear was still Rangers main attacker, and it was fitting he should be credited with the Light Blues third goal in 28 minutes, He side-stepped Blair and fired a fast oblique shot into the rigging. The writing by this time was on the wall. Rangers cut through Motherwells badly positioned defence seemingly at any time. Through Thornton they struck another blow after 36 minutes. He headed home a McPhail cross. Motherwell were now demoralised. With six minutes to go, Thornton added a fifth
