Bob McPhail 2
Fleming 60
Match Information
Attendance: 27,000
Referee: R Morrison (Falkirk)
Matchday: Saturday
Match Trivia
This might have been another set-back for Rangers, not that they deserved to lose – by no means. But after the defence had been caught napping two minutes after the start, and McPhail had taken a scoring chance, they had to fight tooth and nail to get level, which they did only after 17 minutes of the second half had gone. The equalising goal was well taken by Fleming with a first-time shot after Meiklejohn had slung the ball over to Cunningham, and the latter had headed on to the waiting centre, who was in position near Ewart’s right-hand post. Territorially, Rangers had easily the best of the game, but their forwards frequently finished badly. There was another factor. Airdrie’s outfield defence was very strong. The half-backs covered up grandly, and Crapnell would scarcely let anything past him. His kicking was splendidly times, and je had a happy knack of anticipating Morton’s moves. But a load of corners for Rangers showed how the game was swinging for a great part of the time. Airdrie’s forwards were more open in their methods, and in the second half they were so progressive that there was always a chance of their getting through to snatch a winner. It was then that Murdoch let himself go, well backed up by Neil. McPhail changed to inside left in the second half, with Allison going to centre. After Rangers equalised, I thought they were going to sweep everything before them, but the Airdrie defence survived a bit of storming attack, and afterwards the Broomfield forwards made a bold bid for victory. Ewart had more to do than Hamilton. Both were sound. Airdrie were safer at back, and their half-backs were great defenders. Rangers’ middle trio were best when forcing the game. The balance of attack was with the Ibrox forwards, but with McDougall shadowing Fleming it was difficult to see an opening. A game that had many exciting moments, but which at times suggested a tried feeling found the result in suspense until the last kick.
