Dr Marshall 20
English 22, 41
Herd 81
King 87
Match Information
Attendance: 53,000
Referee: H Watson (Glasgow)
Matchday: Saturday
Match Trivia
Rangers simply walked into the final. As in left the ground a friend remarked that if Hamilton had scored their two goals earlier in the game it would have made a difference. I replied that if Rangers had not had their five goals lead Accies would not have scored. There was a method and a confidence in the movements of Rangers that was never at ay time exhibited by their opponents. In my opinion Accies only hope was to obtain a lead early. That they did not do so was their own fault, or rather that of King, as the winger had Tom Hamiltons charge at his mercy but made a sad mess of it. On the other hand, of course Accies had a let-off when McPhails effort bumped off Wright before the King incident. For the first twenty minutes there was little between the teams although Accies efforts were not distinguished by construction individual effort was their long suit. After the initial sparring had been got over, we saw Rangers putting on pressure. McPhail began to worm his way through, and after one hold-up, got his head to an Archibald cross, the bar saving Wrights charge, English, however, was as usual hopping around, and he caught the ball coming from the wood and let go. Wright saved it, but the goalkeeper appeared to be well behind the line at the time. Rangers claim was disallowed, but they were not to be denied, although their reward came rather softly. Meiklejohn took a free kick from thirty yards out, lobbed it into the goal area, and Marshall, with his head, sent it in. Wright appeared to have it safe but allowed the ball to slip through his fingers a gift undoubtedly. I fancy Accies defence got rattled as, two minutes later, English was allowed to score with a header without hindrance. Archibald and Morton were thoroughly enjoying themselves, and their runs continually spelt danger. But the whole team had settled down to play fine football, and the tie was, even at this early stage, in Rangers pocket. I admired Accies pluck, however. They stuck into it gamely, if hopelessly. Herd had a chance at this stage, but like King earlier on, finished badly. While Allan was standing up well to Morton, Archibald made Bulloch and McLuckie look cheap on many occasions he romped up the line like a two-year-old. Wright had a trying time in goal and, I thought, was suffering from the effect of his early blunder. Near half-time, English got Rangers third, but the credit ought actually to go to Brown, as the half had gone right through and shot, but the upright saved Wright. English was on the spot and made no mistake with the rebound. Six minutes of the second half had been played when Archibald went through on his own to score a great goal, and three minutes later Marshall put on the fifth. Interest faded out, although I had the feeling that the Light Blues had ceased to exert themselves. Ten minutes from the end Herd had a burst through all by himself and beat Tom Hamilton from twenty-five yards a real good goal this was. In the last minute, King added another from Frank Wilsons cross, but what did it matter. Rangers really won looking round, and with all due respect, Accies were no match for them. Only one player on the losers side would I class as a top liner, and Id go further and say that he was the bets back on the field. Puggy Allan was outstanding, and his performance was all the more creditable, having to oppose Rangers most dangerous wing, McPhail and Morton. Selectors who were present must have been impressed by Allan in comparison with Gray, who had nothing like the same opposition. In the early stages Accies looked as if they would make a fight of it, but once the Rangers machine began to function there was a marked difference between the sides. Wright suffered from nerves all through the game, and the loss of the first goal did not help him. He had some good saves, but his efforts were more distinguished by desperation than actual ability. Bulloch was game, but the job of stopping Archibald was beyond his ability. Hill stuck as closely to English as Simpson did to D Wilson, but the Accies pivots job was made much more difficult owing to the penetration of McPhail and latterly Marshall. He stuck well to his guns, however, and may be bracketed with Allan as the only two defenders who did. Neither Dougal nor McLuckie were able to hold the opposing supports, and they both had a trying ninety minutes. So much were they worried in attempting to get the ball that their efforts to use it when they were successful were far from good their placing was seldom true. Frank Wilson did many clever things and gave McAulay lots of trouble the left back was caught napping on several occasions. Next to Frank I would place David of that ilk the centre was a willing horse, but poorly fed. For all Simpsons watchfulness the Hamilton leader deceived him quite a lot, but oh, his inside men! Herd and Gray were principally noticeable for their sins of omission both had chances and squandered them Ill let it go at that. Accies had the satisfaction of taking part in the semi-final, and no doubt they appreciate the honour. Rangers as a team impressed, but I noticed weaknesses that surprised me. Tom Hamilton did a number of clever things but his judgment in coming out was not always, in my opinion quite good. Gray and McAulay were occasionally rather easily beaten. Gray, however, only late in the game, when the tie was safe. I fancied that McAulay was rather inclined to take too much for granted this was noticeable when he stood still and allowed Wilson to take the ball past him early on. Meiklejohn and Brown were all right what attentive chaps these are to their forwards and their placing was seldom off the mark. Marshall was some time in striking his game, bit once he did, Accies defence knew all about it. The Doc is a most persistent worrier and has not yet conquered his fondness for the ball. Still, he is a dangerous forward, and of immense service to his side. McPhail was again the master mind of the attack and engineered many fine openings. For once in a while, he failed to score, but it was more bad luck than anything else that prevented him from having a couple to his credit. Bob is a great player and has lived down a tremendous lot of prejudice. In my opinion, he is easily Scotlands best inside forward. English is a live wire Hill must be a tried man this morning with the chasing he did. What a pity Sam is not available for Wembley. I have left the good wine until the last Archibald and Morton; and like wine they have improved with age. I have not seen finer wing play for many years, and indeed, I dont think I have ever seen two such wingers in action on the one side in any game. Archibald is as fast as ever, and he didnt waste a ball his crossed simply asked to be put through and his goal! One of Archies specials that one was. Everybody who follows football knows what I mean. Alan is the old Alan cute, resourceful and uncanny. He can smuggle round them in the old way, and his lobs are goalies nightmares. Wonderful Allan. Long may you continue to amaze us.
