W Reid (2)
S Duncan
A Cunningham
Ingram
Match Information
Attendance: 16,000
Referee: R.J. Kelso (Hamilton)
Matchday: Saturday
Match Trivia
Rangers have paid off the first instalment of last season’s account with Ayr United. At Ibrox there was much to admire in the splendid defence of Bell and McStay for an hour, but it was hardly surprising that in the closing stages they should waver and collapse. Rangers took a long time to suit themselves to the heavy ground conditions. Gordon gave Kerr a hot ball to hold from a free kick, but that really was the only time the goalkeeper was troubled before Ayr United opened the scoring after thirty minutes. McStay placed a free kick into Rangers’ goal-mouth. Ingram stepped in and shot the ball from Muir’s toes past Lock. This was the beginning of Rangers’ special effort. Five minutes from the interval Duncan equalised with a nicely-taken goal – his first of the season. The 1-1- result at the interval did neither team injustice. The story of the second half is easily told. For fifteen minutes Bell and McStay defended strongly, but anyone could see what was coming. Reid at last found himself in position and scored, following some clever play by Cairns and Paterson. A few minutes later Reid gave a neat pass to Cunningham, who sent the ball whizzing past Kerr. Rangers’ forwards were now moving prettily, and Cairns and Paterson did as they liked. Again they paved the way for Reid, whose goal from twenty-five yards out was the best of the lot. Rangers eased up, but that did not keep Cairns from scoring after Kerr had partially saved. In the last minute Crosbie took advantage of a mix-up in the Rangers’ defence and scored. Rangers although they won so handsomely, had their faults. The defence was shaky, and slips by Manderson and Muir were often covered up by the half-backs. The forwards did not very their game enough in the first half, but in the second half they led their opponents a merry dance. Bowie was the best half-back, and Cairns and Paterson the better wing. Ayr United had two good backs in Bell and McStay, whose task was too heavy in the end. Nevin was the outstanding half-back. Ingram and Crosbie were the forwards who took the eye most. Gray was not well supported
