A Smith (2)
A Bennett
McDonald
Simpson
Match Information
Attendance: 30,000
Referee: J Winter (Dundee)
Matchday: Saturday
Match Trivia
It was unfortunate that unsportsman like tactics should have bulked so largely in a game which in the early stages promised to be one of the best. This it might have been, for the condition, save for a stiffish breeze which blew towards the eastern goal, were ideal, and every man Jack appeared to be in perfect condition. Play was not many minutes in progress at Ibrox when it became painfully evident that win at any price was the moto of a few, and those who played according to the book had to suffer. Despite these blemishes there was much to commend in the display, although as a contest it finished when Bennett scored the third goal for his side after 28 minutes had been played in the second half. Before the interval, though, the 28,000 spectators were thrilled with a spectacle as exhilarating as one could wish to see. From goal to goal the play raged. There was nothing between the team, and Falkirk’s single point lead, while worthily gained, was only secured by the almost superhuman effort of Simpson, who although most unmercifully treated on occasion, carried away the honours of the match. The goal was a masterpiece in its way and a came after nine minutes. The Lauriston flyer took the ball along for 20 yards, with Craig hanging on, before dropping it well out of Rennie’s reach with a simple-looking, but none the less difficult shot. The general impression after the resumption was that Falkirk – now against the breeze – would have the great difficulty in maintaining their advantage, but they few were prepared for the collapse of the side. Henry, who with Leishman had played capitally in the first half, was primarily responsible for the breakdown. A badly judged ball seemed to cause him to lose his head, and Leishman, in a lesser degree, following suit, scoring became comparatively easy. Alex Smith got the equaliser in nine minutes, after McKenna had saved splendidly from Murray, and the second goal came also from the veteran left-winger eight minutes later. Bennett had the third after 28 minutes, and McDonald finished the scoring two minutes from the close. Four goals to one is a big margin, but Rangers if only in the second half – were the superior team to the extent indicated. The forwards, splendidly led by Murray touched a fairly high standard. Alex Smith, with two goals was very much in the picture, while Bennett and McDonald were also clever. The Falkirk forwards, although showing less combined play, were always dangerous, Simpson, who was in a class by himself, especially so. Davidson also did many smart things, besides centring finely, while Skene took a deal of watching in the centre. Among the half-backs the Rangers’ captain towered above his fellows. He displayed fine general-ship in changing positions for a time with Galt, when that player was in danger of getting his ‘walking’ ticket for undue attentions to Simpson. Gordon, although like Galt, not too particular in his methods at times played his best game of the season, his slipping on to Bennett and McPherson being in the most approved style. Reid was the best of the Falkirk trio, Anderson spoiling his display in the early part by reckless and unfair actions towards the close. Collins is also due a reprimand for callously tripping up Bennett after being beaten by that player. Craig had a hard task against Simpson and McTavish. He came through the ordeal with credit. Sharp, however, was easily the best of the quintette, the ex-Woolwich Arsenal player practically walking through the game without turning a hair.
