Low
J McPherson
J Miller
A Smith
Reynolds pen
Match Information
Manager: No Permanent Manager
Attendance: 20,000
Referee: unknown - to be confirmed
Matchday: Tuesday
Match Trivia
Public interest was keenly aroused in he meeting of the Celtic and Rangers last night at Hampden Park in the first round of the Glasgow Charity Cup competition. The attendance however exceeded all expectations about 22,000 persons passing the turnstiles. The fact that the Celtic officials intended playing their latest English recruits, Welford, Campbell and Reynolds of Aston Villa, accounted to a considerable extent, for the large crowd. Naturally enough the play at the outset was marked by traits of nervousness and over-anxiety, both sets of players having an adequate idea of the importance of the match. However as befitted experienced exponents of the game, the ball soon began to be nursed, and kicked in a manner that betokened judgment and skill on the part of the operators, more particularly by the Rangers. Stout tackling and vigorous tackling by the Celtic half-backs, and backs held the fleet-footed Rangers attacking squad in control for a time, but in about 20 minutes from the start a nice pass to Hyslop from Neil enabled the former to get well through the Celtic defence. Welford got his toe in, but the ball fell right in front of Miller, who ran well up, and in a trice the Rangers clever centre forward let fly a high sailing shot which McArthur could only tip with his fingers, and the first goal of the match was scored. It was a grand piece of work that brought about the Celts downfall, and right well did the Rangers deserve the hearty cheer that greeted the performance. Having once broken the ice the Rangers came out of their shell in a style that delighted their supporters and in a great measure bamboozled their opponents. The five forwards passed and re-passed the ball with charming accuracy and precision, and again and again they all but beat the opposing defence. Doyle was the chief stumbling-block to their progress, the famous back time after time tackling and kicking with an amount of pith and judgment worthy of his best days. But unfortunately, his partner, Welford was not in anything like his true form. His right leg got damaged early in the game, and in consequence far more work fell to Doyle and the half-backs than had been bargained for. Still the ‘Light Blues’ were moving in magnificent style, the runs of Smith and Hyslop, and McPherson and Smith, being only equalled in their brilliancy by the dazzling manipulation of the ball by Miller. Finer balancing of both wings than that which Miller was exhibiting would indeed be difficult to equal, let alone surpass, and little wonder was it that before half time Low, after a great bout with Reynolds and Welford, shot the ball into the net, just round the corner of the nearest upright. McArthur saved the first attempt, but the second effort by Low was apparently more than he could tackle. By means of strong kicking the Celtic forwards got well away on several occasions, but on the whole, Dickie had a comparatively easy time of it. The feeding of the Celtic half-backs was not nearly so judicious and close as that of the Rangers trio, who throughout the game gave a really brilliant exposition of half-back work. Neil especially proving himself a gem of the first water. Beginning the second half with a lead of two goals, the prospects of the Rangers looked decidedly rosy, but evidently they did not intend to rest upon their oars. Although the wind was now somewhat against them, they continued to press with unabated vigour and determination, but the powerful play of Doyle, Reynolds and Orr kept them at bay. Eager to score the Celts forwards accepted every chance was alacrity, although it must be confessed they had to make most of the chances for themselves. In less than ten minutes from the re-start, Henderson got well set for goal, just inside the 12 yard line Nicol Smith, who had been beaten, rushed up from behind and sent Henderson sprawling on his face. Rightly the referee awarded a penalty kick, although the ‘Light Blues’, and particularly Nick Smith protested vehemently against the decision. Reynolds was entrusted with the kick, and true to his reputation, he amid considerable cheering, sent the ball past Dickie, who had come out to the six yard line, spinning into the net. Somewhat annoyed at the turn, which affairs had taken, the Rangers buckled to their work with increased earnestness, the entire eleven going like one man. Soon the Celtic defence was again pierced, the honour of beating McArthur on this occasion falling to A Smith, who sent in a tremendously fast cross shot. Several changes were made in the positions of the Celtic forwards to endeavour to reduce the leeway, but without avail. Dickie was very safe in goal, one save from King being a marvellous effort. Both Smith and Drummond were sure and strong in all they did, and the play of the halves in front of them left really nothing to be desired. Shortly afterwards a lovely bit of play by Miller, McPherson and Low, ended in McPherson scoring a fourth goal, with perhaps the best shot of the match, although the goal taken by Miller was a beauty. With such big odds against them it was only to be expected that the Celts would become disconcerted, and sure enough their play became perceptibly poorer and scraggier, as the finish approached. Several times the ball was taken to within measurable distance of Dickie, but into the net it could not be steered. On to the end the Rangers played with freshness and vivacity that were nothing short of marvellous, considering the lateness of the season, and it may very truthfully be said that from start to finish they held the whip hand of their famous rivals. No additional goals were notched, and the Rangers ultimately retired with one of the cleverest and most merited victories they have ever achieved.
