J Smith 30, 64, 75, 84, 88
McGibbon 43
Turnbull 59
Match Information
Attendance: 7,000
Referee: W.G. Holburn (Glasgow)
Matchday: Saturday
Match Trivia
Whatever thoughts Ayr United had with an interval score of 1-1 of creating a first-class sensation, were quickly negatived by Rangers in the second half. The Light Blues shook off their wobbliness, and reduced Ayr to impotency. It was Rangers best form of the season. A tonic for Wednesdays Old Firm clash. Withal it was a day of mixed fortunes for the Ibrox club. Brown was early crocked. He played at outside-right, Main, inside, and Venters at left half. Seven minutes from time Main was carried off on a stretcher after suffering a nasty leg injury. But two bright spots. Five goals by Jimmy Smith. He was at his best. Acceptance of easy chances in the first half, he'd easily have beaten that new nine goal league record. Even brighter Jimmy Turnbull, on his showing, greatest left-winger that has hit Ibrox since Alan Morton retired. Jimmy was an inspiration to his mates. He completely weighted the balance in Rangers favour when he crashed in a great right-footed leading goal. Ayr had their opponents reeling up till then. The ex-Cowdenbeath man followed this up with four peach passes, from which Smith scored. Like Morton, hes two-footed, slick, confident, and can whip them across. The greatest compliment I can pay Ayr is that they are a never-say-die side. Down five goals, they finished up pressing Rangers hard. Its often been said Rangers get all the breaks. They didnt yesterday. I thought they should have had a penalty when Smith was upended by Currie in the penalty box shortly after the centre had scored. While Light Blue players stood claiming, Ayr took the ball downfield. Tough crosses to McGibbon, and the centre picked his spot. I was sorry for Bib Hepburn. He foiled umpteen scoring chances and hadnt an earthly with the goals. Dyer and Strain stood up well as long as Ayr were on equal terms but wilted under the devastating Ibrox pressure. Taylor was best of the middle line. Baigrie was overwhelmed with work and couldnt cope with it. Jimmy Simpson doesnt like wee centres, most of all McGibbon. Terry, in his perkiest mood, drew applause time and again for valiant tries. The rest of the line was spasmodic, with Tough perhaps best. Rangers re-organised team made a great recovery. Even crippled Brown did valuable work on the right. Inside suited Main, but McPhail didnt seem to be properly in tune. He missed one or two sitters. Smith and Turnbull were an understanding pair, and Cheyne a sound deputy for McDonald
