English 1
B McPhail
English 49
McLeod og
Match Information
Attendance: 17,000
Referee: M.C. Hutton (Glasgow)
Matchday: Saturday
Match Trivia
Rangers made things as hard as possible for themselves by bad shooting. It was this, and this only, that kept the result in a doubtful state until McLeod, unfortunately scored against his side seven minutes from the end. Before that, Ayr did not look like saving a point, but they were such keen triers that you could never tell what might happen. It was on the cards that they would snatch one and then another. If Rangers punished themselves by their poor marksmanship Smith and Morton were the chief sinners, and McPhail a minor delinquent Ayr also found things running against them when more than one of the goals were lost. Before they had gathered themselves together just 90 seconds after the start English caught Hepburn napping with one of his snap shots. The Ibrox forwards played free open football after this, and the run of the game was properly reflected when McPhail, after having hit the post shortly before, shot a second goal, which left Hepburn with no chance at all. Ayrs forwards took a long time to come on to a game. They were not keeping good position, and consequently passes were easily gobbled by the Rangers half-backs. But they kept improving, and after half-an-hour, McGrath and Merrie went through strongly, and when the ball was transferred to the right, Robertson very smartly took it first-time and beat Dawson. It was a keen and more even game after this, and when within a second of the interval, Meiklejohn handled in order to prevent Robertson from cutting in, and a penalty was awarded Ayr, it looked as if Rangers were about to pay for their misses. Taylor shot the penalty low and hard, but Dawson threw himself on the ground and grabbed the ball on the line. It showed, however, that Rangers were not out of the wood, but things looked safe for them when English, chasing a ball sent through by Brown, duly connected, and then lofted it over Hepburns head into the net. This was four minutes after the restart, after which the Ibrox forwards, with Kennedy and Brown backing up, came away with a splash. It was hereabout that Morton showed how badly he could finish, while Hepburn and his backs also showed that they were a resolute fighting trio. The United forwards rallied, and the Rangers were getting it pretty hot when the ball was sent through the centre in the opposite direction. English went after it. McLeod, knowing the danger, passed back high to Hepburn, who was a yard or two too far our and the ball went over his head into the net a bit of real bad luck. Both Dawson and Hepburn saved well. Gray was a fine, heady back, and Meiklejohn used his tactical skill with effect against a much speedier opponent in Robertson, who was a t a disadvantage, through McGrath not working close enough up with him. Wills and Fleming were stickers, but Rangers had a big advantage on the wing half position, although Taylor and McCall were more like themselves in the second half. Both Kennedy and Brown forced the game and gave the right kind of pass. Marshall was a success on the wing, and Smith did very well, except in his shooting. English was always there, and McPhail was taking a sure grip of the ball and passing well, but his partner was not getting the old clip into his play. When keeping in line, Ayrs forwards got along all right, and I feel they will get better and better. Talyor missed a 45th minute penalty
