J Smith 19, 46
A Venters 55
Match Information
Attendance: 3,000
Referee: J Thomson (Burnbank)
Matchday: Wednesday
Match Trivia
One thing can be said about East Fife without the slightest trace of flattery. No side could have put up a pluckier fight at Ibrox. It cannot be said that at any time sis the Second Leaguers look likely to win, but they made Rangers travel all the time. They lacked the power and thrust of the League champions, and no one could open put the play like Venters; but they were clever raisers, and in the earlier period Adams at outside-right gave Brown and McDonald no end of trouble. Had they been able to snatch the opening goal, there is no saying how the game would have run, for Rangers were dilatory in settling down. The Light Blues were slavish, too in their service to Fiddes. True, the right-winger responded grandly, but I thought the policy had a stilting effect on the forward play. Turnbull was utilised more in the second half, and also played a big part in the victory, but by this time McPhail had warmed to his work, and with Venters kept the Fifers defenders on the stretch most of the time. While the game lacked a real thrill, interest was maintained by the gallant stand made from first to last by Crozier and his backs. A noble trio they were, and in keeping the Rangers total down to three, they could afford to go home more than pleased with themselves. Sneddon at centre-half also got through a lot of good work; Cowan led the forwards courageously, and Adam sparkled in the first half. George Brwon did not seem to be fully turned up after his spell of idleness through injury, but otherwise the Light Blues were sound and finished worthy winners. Smith got the first goal after 19 minutes. He also collected the second early after the interval, but chief credit for it belongs to Turnbull, who made the opening. Before ten minutes had gone Venters obtained a third goal after he had nearly broken the crossbar with a rocker drive. This shot of Venters, I may say, was only one of many drives which rattled against the posts or crossbar. If only as a tribute to their pluck East Fife deserved the goal that came their way through Cowan 16 minutes from the end.
