T Cairns
S Archibald 15
Match Information
Attendance: 42,000
Referee: William Bell (Hamilton)
Matchday: Monday
Match Trivia
We had a rousing tussle at Firhill yesterday but, unfortunately, a goodly proportion of those who made the journey to Queen’s Cross did not see it Forty-two thousand people passed the turnstiles before the gated were closed. Unfortunately, the crush barriers gave way in several places, but fortunately, the casualties were few. George Easton informed me that two or three boys were hurt, but none of them seriously. Which is something to be thankful for. The Partick directors, realising that the accommodation is inadequate for the important matches, have decided to go on at once with the big extension scheme. Contracts for a Firhill enclosure capable of accommodating round about 60,000 people will be placed one day soon. About the game. The Rangers, who fielded the side beaten by Celtic, seemed determined that a second defeat in three days would not be their portion. They started in whirlwind fashion, and the Thistle, responding in similar style, the [ace was a cracker. The contest reminded me of the first meeting of Partick and the ‘Light Blues’ on the same field eight years ago. What a cracker of a match that was! – Billy Hogg was with the Ibrox club then. I have not the space to do justice to yesterday’s battle, which was, however, won by the cleverer and sweeter-moving team. Partick stuck in, and often came very near to scoring; indeed, I have never seen Robb so often tested since he joined the League champions, but Willie was able for all that came his way. He was well protected. McCandless gave a repeat, almost of his display against the Celts, and Manderson bettered his. ‘Big Bert’ was just a trifle ahead of his partner – yes, the ‘Light Blues’ ‘Irish Division’ did splendidly. By comparison, Crichton and Bulloch were only moderate defenders. The south-country youngster, who miskicked once or twice did not seen happy, and veteran Willie was caught nodding too often by the strong-going Archibald. Bulloch was one of the three ‘the Fifer’ brushed past ere sending the ball across to Cairns to hook home ten minutes after the start. Archibald’s work was grand; Tommy’s shot was ditto; it was a truly great goal. Most people, however, will award the palm to ‘Archie’ second point, which came along twelve minutes later. It was one of the most spectacular goals I have seen for many a day. The Ibrox right-winger rounded three or four Queen’s Cross men before placing the ball where Campbell couldn’t get hold of it. He failed, however, to ‘sink’ a comparatively easy chance in the second half, which the Thistle opened in business-like fashion. But they possessed neither the power nor the craft to elude a top-hole Rangers’ defence. Even a penalty, just after the interval, did them no good. Blair took the kick and Robb saved it. Dixon was as on Saturday – first-rate; and his supports were both greatly improved men with speedy Muirhead the better. Although Cairns appeared a bit leg-weary he did very well indeed, Morton was the real ‘AL,’ sharp and nippy, Cunningham’s distribution was very fine, Henderson was a really clever centre and Archibald’s first-half display was very good indeed. Kenny Campbell’s goalkeeping was faultless and while Willie Hamilton was almost on par with Arthur Dixon. I rate McMullan the number one middleman of the half-dozen. Joe Harris was streaky – good and not so good. Weight was wanted badly in the Firhill front. McMenemy, who shoved abouts lots of sweet balls, found the opposition more than a trifle too powerful for him. The same may be said about clever little Kinloch. The other three were only fair
