A Morton 36
Malone 51
McKay 70
Match Information
Attendance: 8,000
Referee: D Calder (Rutherglen)
Matchday: Wednesday
Match Trivia
Whatever hopes Motherwell had of vanquishing the Ibrox confederacy were dissipated in the early stages. Ferrier, after 20 minutes, went running on to pluck the ball into Tennant, Stevenson and McFadyen were well presented with gilt-edged scoring chances which they failed to clinch. Then when Ferrier, after 20 minutes, went running on to pluck the ball into the net, he found the referee had previously called him up for off-side. This decision did not please the Fir Park enthusiasts, but I am with Mr Calder. ‘Bobby’ had gone a couple of yards ahead when Tennant beat Manderson in a tackle. Had Motherwell counted at this stages no one could have grudged them the lead. Their forwards spread themselves out more than the Rangers’ five and every dash Robb-wards was full of possibilities. In one of their raids Manderson missed his kick a yard from the goal line and the ball just squirmed round the outer side of Robb’s right hand-post. This was distinct ‘life’ for Rangers. I have mentioned these incidents as showing how the Lanarkshire fellows contributed towards their ultimate defeat. During this first half-hour there was little between the contestants. Rangers were more intricate in their movements, but I thought they carried their close passing work just far enough for the Fir Park defenders usually to nip in and send them back again. Their persistent pressure told after 36 minutes; however, a Malone cross being rammed in by Morton. The decisive moment arrived six minutes after the cross-over, when a double disaster befell Motherwell. Trapping a ball smartly, Malone carried on to beat McClory, what time several of the Fir Park men were claiming a free-kick for the Ibrox right-winger having brought the ball down with a hand. In the excitement Frame rushed across to the referee, and the upshot was the ordering to the pavilion of the Fir Park left back. Although depleted Motherwell were by no means disorganised and during the ensuing quarter of an hour, they made the Ibrox defence hop. Tennant was full of dash, but he made the mistake of concentrating on the right wing alone. True, Ferrier was operating in no place in particular, but an occasional attack from the left might have brought success. Then Little volleyed into the net from 30 yards out from a free kick, and Motherwell’s stick rose, but not for long. Cunningham brought his left foot into action an Andy drive almost uprooted a post, and before the Fir Park defenders – Thackeray was operating alongside Little now – had time to draw their breaths McKay tried his luck with a long shot, and he found it in. To the amazement of everyone McClory allowed the ball to trindle between his legs into the net. This sealed Motherwell fate. Before the final Tennant and Co got off on some speedy runs and Robb brought off the best save of the match from the centre. This was neutralised, however, by McClory diverting behind a rocket drive from Craig. Just before the final whistle Robb and Tennant collided heavily, and both had to receive attention. It is useless to speculate on what Motherwell might have done had they been at full strength all the time. While Frame was in his place the ‘Light Blues’ enjoyed no picnic, but there was not the same team work among the Lanarkshire boys. Thor forward play was nippy, but not nearly so skilful as that of the League champions. McKay and Cunningham spread the ball judiciously, and the extreme wingers responded well. So too did Fleming, but the ball did not run very kindly for him. A frost-bound ground made the ball difficult to control and mistakes had to be overlooked. In the half-back lines, the Craigs were most prominent, and particularly the Ranger, who frequently acted as a sixth forward. Both back divisions were strong, either custodian made one fatal mistake. Frame sent-off after 51 minutes
