A Smith <45
RC Hamilton >45
Connachan
Match Information
Attendance: 3,000
Referee: Mr Nesbit (Cowdenbeath)
Matchday: Saturday
Match Trivia
Although only a single goal separated the teams at the close the Rangers on the run of play had matters pretty much their own way. Morton somehow could never quite master the opposing defence, and as the game progressed they appeared to deteriorate rather than improve. During the first 20 minutes they were seen at their best and but for the resolute work of Smith, Gibson and Young they might have scored at least once. Thereafter however the play veered entirely in favour of the Light Blues, and A Smith shooting on the run, smartly chalked up the first goal. Mortons defence frequently baffled several wily attempts by Hamilton, McPherson and Smith to again get through, Brown and Orr in particular putting in some splendid work. No more goals were scored in the first half, but shortly after the interval Hamilton rushing between the Morton backs, had no difficultly in adding a second goal, although it is only fair to say that the Morton goalkeeper made not the slightest effort to effect a save, being obviously of the opinion that Hamilton was offside when he received the ball from McPherson. Play afterwards became rather tame. The Rangers while showing some excellent tactics in the open were very weak near goal and the Morton custodian easily cleared any stray shots that had a chance of sailing into the net. Just as the Rangers imagined their opponents were unable to raise a dangerous gallop the latter came away with a burst and Connachan, with a fast shot, beat McPherson (St Johnstone) who was acting as Dickies substitute. The closing minutes of the match saw the Rangers in a keen mood for scoring, but their best efforts were cut short and they had to rest content with a 2 to 1 victory. Morton were clearly outclassed, although for a long time the defence-displayed form of more than average merit. Brown at centre half was especially prominent, his tackling and placing being accomplished in an artistic and effective fashion. McNeill and Orr made a good pair of backs, but were not the equal of Smith and Young (Beith) who were very rarely allowed themselves to be beaten. Smith indeed was in sparkling trim, tackling and kicking wish all the accuracy and fire of his palmist days. Young made a promising debut, although as was to be expected, his play was not without blemish. But the slips he made were of the kind that experience will rectify, and the Rangers will certainly do well to persevere with him. Both goalkeepers did well, although the Morton custodian made a mistake in not attempting to save Hamiltons goal. Of the Rangers halfbacks Gibson was perhaps the most serviceable his judgment, in particular being of the soundest description. Stark was erratic, and near the close of the first half he fouled one of the Morton forwards inside the 12 yards area, but fortunately for the Rangers, Sharp failed to convert the penalty kick. The Rangers forwards worked in an intelligent and effective manner, but spoiled much of their work by an inability to shoot straight and hard. Campbell was very nimble, and sent across several strong centres, and A Smith was much more deadly than he had been for some time past. Sharp and Russell, the Morton left wing were eclipsed by Gibson and N Smith, but Connachan and the right wing were often somewhat difficult to hold. Sharp missed a first half penalty
