Hendry <23
Match Information
Attendance: 18,000
Referee: A Edward (Glasgow)
Matchday: Saturday
Match Trivia
There were times when the play at Ibrox gave the impression that the end of the season was fast approaching, s quietly did the players set about their work. Kilmarnock were the first to throw aside the lethargy, Cunningham, Whittle and Neil putting some energy into their efforts which soon brought about a response in kind from Rangers who, however, were slow to settle to smooth combination. The craft of Bennett and Smith was of valuable assistance to the light blues ere long for the pair gave the others the lead in opening out the play, which, however, was not responded to as it might have been. Some credit must fall to the Kilmarnock half-backs for Rangers’ poor finishing, Futon, Waddell and Shortt proving themselves more than a spoiling force; Fulton and Scott were never long idle. Matters progressed on these lines till Hendry completed some good work on the part of the left wing by driving a ball past Blair which the goalkeeper hurt his fingers in trying to get at. It was a capitally taken goal, but I have a little sympathy for the goalkeeper, who, I thought, was well set for saving only to be bested by of of his own side, who accidentally diverted the ball off its natural course. Good goalkeeping and weak finishing soon after robbed Rangers of further success, Stewart being specially faulty in his endeavours to steal a march on Blair. Kilmarnock once more came into prominence and excellent effort by Whittle being prevented from scoring, and the teams from crossing over level, only through the post coming to the help of Lock. The first item of importance after resuming was a thrice tried fusillade on the Rangers’ goal, which, however, escaped without Lock being called into service, the backs proving themselves equal to the occasion. Smith again made the running, and with Murray not too keen on tackling him, he got ample time to make good centres, but sent carelessly past twice in succession. A couple of good shot by Whittle, which might have been nearer the mark, and a blind miss by Bennett fills the remaining portion of the second half the remainder of the play being equally contested with the defence of both sides always masters. It was one of the best fights Kilmarnock have put up at Ibrox for some time, and if Rangers deserved the points by reason of their greater share of scoring chances, the goal difference about sums up the situation. Lock was never severely tested, but he had always to be on the move, and the post came to his rescue with Kilmarnock’s likeliest try. With Blair it was a different story. He got ample opportunity, and I was delighted with the confident way he accomplished his work. The back honours were shared by Mitchell, and the Forfar recruit, Scott. The Kilmarnock man’s play was marked by the judgment one expects who knows his work. Scott was scarcely so experienced, but his kicking was splendid, and time and weight, if the latter can be added, should make him a valuable asset. Hendry deserves pride of place among the half-backs; in fact, I would almost go the length of saying he was the most conspicuous figure on the field, and that means much, for Waddell was also a notable success. Logan, Shortt, Galt and Fulton’s best work came in gusts. Bennett and Smith on the Rangers’ left, and Neil and Goldie, on the opposing right, were the pairs who mated best amongst the forwards, but after Bennett changed the centre which he did in the second half, any little combination that was previously present amongst the Ibrox forward line vanished. Still Duncan, considering that he was not too strongly supported, was clever when he got the opportunity. Stewart mattered little in any position, and Cairns has much to learn yet before he is Ibrox class. Whittle, I thought, played one of his best game for Kilmarnock, his footwork being cleverer than usual, and Andrew Cunningham was also of great service to his side, but I looked for better things from Wilson, who often overran the ball, and showed lack of judgment in passing
