Russell pen 75
Match Information
Manager: No Permanent Manager
Attendance: 10,000
Referee: J Marshall (Third Lanark)
Matchday: Saturday
Match Trivia
The fact that the Hearts presently head the League, and that the Rangers and Celtic are close at their heels, accounted for the extraordinary interest taken in the match at Ibrox Park. The weather was wintry, the atmosphere being raw and chilly, but notwithstanding the crown was a large one, 10,000 being present. The visitors who lost the toss, kicked off against a stiff breeze, Michael setting the ball in motion. Hamilton quickly intercepted the pass, and the Rangers at once bore down on the visitors defence. Steady play by Battles and Mirk repelled them, and McLaren and Chalmers diverted the play in the direction of Drummond who however, was equal to the occasion. By excellent combination the Rangers got away, and a free kick aided their progress, but it came to naught. The play was very exciting and both teams exerted themselves to the utmost. A splendid shot was sent into the Hearts goal by McPherson, but unfortunately, Hamilton was in the way, and the ball rebounded off him in a backward direction, latterly Cowan shot over. The Hearts spread themselves out, and attacked in the most stubborn and vigorous manner, but the ball went behind. A minute later a grand shot was sent into Montgomery, but he very coolly fisted the ball away. The Tynecastle men quickly regained possession of the ball, Walker and Scott passing over to Chalmers, who however ran over the ball when there was a splendid opportunity of registering a goal. The Hearts delighted their friends by the rapidity of their attacks and their concentration at goal. In Drummond and Smith however they had stout opposition. The former perhaps got more work, and was sorely pressed by Chalmers and McLaren, but Smith gave the smartest exhibition. Close on halftime the Hearts pressed and Montgomery had to leave his goal to save. The Hearts left endeavoured to take advantage of the chance, but Smith headed away the ball. As halftime was called, Michael sent in a long shot, which just went over the bar, and the whistle sounded with no goals having been scored. Halftime result – Rangers 0: Hearts 0. On resumption of the play the Hearts took up the running, and immediately commenced to harass the Rangers defence. There sure was pretty severe shots raining thick and fast in the vicinity of Drummond Still they could not score, and a corner kick and foul close in brought no better luck. From a free kick Russell sent the ball clean into the net, but it touch no one and consequently did not count. This was a critical period for the Rangers whose brilliant defence was severly tested. Yet notwithstanding the backs who were well supported by Gibson, Marshall and Mitchell, were able for this. Wakening up to the situation the Rangers now played with determination took up the running and gradually started to get ahead. Boyd secured possession of the ball behind the Hearts defence, and was promptly and correctly pulled up for offside. He played on, and sent the ball past Cox, but of course the effort went of nothing. The Rangers now pressed and added encouragement of the spectators played for all they knew. McPherson sent in tow stinging shots, and McCreadie struck the upright. Once more the Hearts retaliated, and for a sell fid most of the shooting, Russell repeated his former feat of sending the ball through form a free kick without touching anyone, and a few minutes later a corner kick almost brought about the hard played for goal. The game was a good one abounding in lots of exciting play, and so far slightly in favour of the Hearts. The players slipping frequently on the ground owing to the rain, but taking everything into consideration the play was as credit to both teams. About fifteen minutes from the close one of the Rangers men- supposed to be Gibson – fisted out the ball as it as going through. The referee promptly gave a penalty kick and Russell made no mistake, sending the ball past Montgomery, who came forward to the six yards line. This success was loudly cheered. The remaining portion of the game was well contested, but there was no further scoring, and the Hearts won by 1 goal to 0.
