Campbell
King <45
Campbell
Russell
Match Information
Manager: No Permanent Manager
Attendance: 30,000
Referee: Mr Baillie (St Bernard's Athletic)
Matchday: Monday
Match Trivia
Glorious football weather and an enormous attendance favoured the meeting of these local aspirants in the struggle for League honours on Ibrox Park. Both sides were represented by their best available elevens, and a stirring contest was witnessed. Rangers having lost the toss kicked off, and were found deathly compelled to act on the defensive, but only for a few minutes. They early made the acquaintance of McArthur, but found him in unbeatable form. Both sets of forwards settled down to treat the spectators to a control exposition of the winter pastime. King and McMahon were the first to elicit the cheers of the spectators for a lovely bit of play, Smith however brought relief, and once more the Rangers set off, the left wing of the homesters furnishing the attraction. At the critical moment however, between them Hyslop and Smith unaccountable spoiled a magnificent opportunity to score. After a shot spell of midfield work, Campbell obtained the ball on his head, from a splendidly judged corner kick, and Dickie had to own himself beaten. The contest now became even more exciting then before, the Rangers straining every nerve to score, while the Celts so persistent were their attacks seemed likely to gain a second point. Nor were their hopes disappointed, as after Drummond missed badly, although it must be confessed he was in an awkward position, King clever snatched his opportunity and raised the Celt’s total to two. The Rangers were being served in a most indifferent manner by their halfback’s trio, who allowed the opposing forwards to dash in on Smith and Drummond to the evident consternation of both them players, who were however defending nobly. Drummond did not maintain his early form however, Gilhooley single-handed, tricking him repeatedly. When halftime arrived the homesters were in the unenviable position of being in the minority by 2 goals to nil. After the interval, which must have afforded a welcome relief to both teams, the game was resumed before at least 30,000 spectators. Matters assumed a serious aspect for a considerable time, as the crowd rushed on to the playing pitch, completely covering the touchlines. Luckily however the field of play was sufficiently cleared to permit of the contest being continued. Celtic kicked off, and in a twinkling the Rangers were off for McArthur. The Celts were not to be caught napping and Orr came to their rescue by a timely punt. The homesters seemed desperately anxious to score, Hyslop and Smith doing their utmost to register a point. The forward’s line of the ground team was performing as a whole in a most disappointing fashion, Hamilton being as almost entire failure in centre. At last a chance came to the Light Blues. Campbell fouled Hyslop, Smith took the kick and Miller neatly tried to beat McArthur with a header, but in vein. McArthur threw out, and then Miller, in an encounter with Doyle worried the latter, and held him up, but the ball was cleared out of danger by Welford. By this time McCreadie was doing little for the Rangers. In fact the centre halfback the contrasted most unfavourable with that of the visitors. Goldie, Russell and Orr gave a grand exhibition of tackling and placing: the opposing trio were tackling and easily outwitted bar perhaps Gibson, who nevertheless was not easily at his best. The supporters of the home club at last thought their turn had come, as Smith cleverly beat Goldie, but had his shot, a beautiful effort headed past the post by Doyle. A minute after the resulting corner Allan and Gilhooley treated the crowd to a splendid bit of passing; but their effort went for nothing, as Campbell who latterly received the ball and shot, was given offside. To Campbell belongs the honour of the third goal, which he thoroughly deserved. The Rangers after this last reverse did not despair, but fought on pluckily. Towards the close Russell with a magnificent effort let drive for goal. The ball touched Allan on the road to Dickie, who was somewhat easily beaten, Play now degenerated somewhat, and some tempers was shown, Drummond in particular, who had been completely mastered by Gilhooley, tackling Allan somewhat roughly and injuring that player it was most regrettable incident. Welford took the foul, and placed the ball well into goal, but resolute defence by the home backs averted further disaster. Allan was of no further services to his side, although he remained on the field. The Rangers were now completely demoralised, and the Celts treated matters lightly in the closing minutes. For the winners nothing but praise can be given. They played to win and thoroughly deserved the success, which attended their efforts. The losers performed most disappointingly, and must improve considerably if honours are to go to Ibrox this season. Result – Celtic 4 goals: Rangers 0.
