T McDonald 20
Crosbie 50
Match Information
Attendance: 15,000
Referee: R.J. Kelso (Hamilton)
Matchday: Tuesday
Match Trivia
It would be doing the Rangers a great injustice to judge their superiority over Ayr United at Ibrox last night by their narrow winning margin of 2-1. They were immeasurably the more methodical and cohesive side, and only the brilliance of Nisbet, and on occasion inaccurate shooting, prevented them from making their success more pronounced. Supported by an admirable half-back line, the Rangers early on settled down to a convincing game. Henderson, always energic and nippy, cutely passed to Muirhead, who tore through the defence, but spoiled the fine effort by shooting carelessly. From a difficult angle Paterson turned the ball into goal. Nisbet fumbled it, but Logan jumped in at the crucial moment and cleared. Bad marksmanship prevented Bowie, Henderson and Cunningham in turn from placing the ball in the net, but when twenty minutes had gone McDonald showed them how to shoot. Collecting a pass from Henderson, the outside-left raced ahead, and when near the penalty area he sent in a powerful drive, Nisbet got his hands to the ball, but the force behind it carried it home. It was a spectacular effort, indeed. With the exception of Crosbie, Ayrs forwards were ineffective. Still, they had a periodic raid, but they invariably found Manderson and Gordon as steady as the proverbial rock. Upon resuming, Ayr were a more virile company, and they gave promise of making a better fight. They soon equalised, Crosbie turning to account a momentary slackness on the part of the Ibrox defence. Two minutes later, however, Walls neatly placed a free-kick, Henderson diverted the ball with his head to Cunningham, who smashed it past Nisbet from close range. Subsequent play was tremendously fast, and thrills were plentiful especially in the vicinity of the Ayr goal. On one occasion McDonald outplaced Logan and centred. Henderson volleyed for goal, the ball rebound from a defenders foot to Paterson, who returned it with great force. Nisbet stopped it on the line as he did also drive from Henderson and Cunningham shortly afterwards. Rangers eclipsed their opponents in all division. Robb accomplished the little he had to do in masterly fashion, while Manderson and Gordon were reliable throughout. In a resourceful half-back line young Meiklejohn compared favourably with his more-experienced henchmen. The enthusiasm and energy of the forward line could not have been surpassed, but now and then they were faulty in finishing. Paterson was as elusive on the right as in his usual position. McDonald was conspicuous on the left, both in artistry and speed, and his cleverness was frequently applauded. I have already alluded to the smartness of Nisbet, whose backs are also dur commendation. They fought with inexhaustible courage. The Half-backs also stood up valiantly. Hogg was outstanding. Considering the inclement weather conditions the attendance was capital 15,000
