Campbell
RC Hamilton
J McPherson
Unknown
Match Information
Manager: No Permanent Manager
Attendance: 16000
Referee:
Matchday: Saturday
Match Trivia
The visit of Aston Villa to Glasgow evoked considerable interest in football quarters, and on Saturday afternoon, Ibrox Park was well filled when the team turned out to face the Scottish League Champions. The ground was soft on the surface, and the footing afforded the players was somewhat treacherous. Spencer and Smith was absent from the Villa ranks, and W Baird (St Bernards) played for Neil at centre-half for the Rangers. The game opened in favour of the Villa, Wheldon forcing a corner kick off Gibson, but if came to nothing. The Rangers quickly got set a going and following a corner kick Campbell put on the first goal of the match with a long fast shot. Keeping up the pressure the Rangers hovered dangerously near the Villa custodian, and at length a nice pass by Miller enabled Hamilton after beating Cowan and Evans to add a second goal from a rather difficult angle. The unexpected weakness of the Villa half-back line gave their backs and goalkeeper a tremendous lot of work to do, but notwithstanding they performed most creditably. Gradually the Birmingham players found their feet, and Dickie had to save once or twice pretty smartly. Before half-time Wheldon with a low shot completely beat Dickie, and the interval found the Rangers leading by 2 goals to 1. On resuming it was evident that the Villa intended to make up the leeway, but the smart checkmating work of Gibson, Baird and Mitchell never permitted them to get properly settled. From a free-kick the Rangers soon scored a third goal, Wilkie being the operator. Thereafter the Villa improved considerably more particularly Crabtree, Sharp and Devey, but the Rangers defence proved invulnerable. No more scoring took place and the Rangers retired with a thoroughly well-deserved victory by 3 goals to 1. Much disappointment was expressed at the poor display of the Villa half-backs of whom Bowman was the most consistent. The backs passable but with a less capable goalkeeper than George the score against the Villa would have been much heavier. Sharp was the cleverest of the forwards. The Rangers half-backs played a cool, clever game, and Baird made many friends by the manner he held and beat Johnston. Hamilton was in very fine form, and he and Miller were the best forward on the field. Crawford easily stopped Athersmith and put in some splendid defensive play. Smith’s kicking was not so accurate as usual, but for all that he gave a very good display. Dickie’s saving was at all times smart and reliable.
