English 9
McKenzie 55
Match Information
Attendance: 30,006
Referee: T Small (Dundee)
Matchday: Saturday
Match Trivia
Yes Sirs, this Ibrox cocktail had a real kick in it! No one likes to talk of what might have been, but I am convinced that had not Meiklejohn been off he twisted a knee and had to retire for seventeen minutes there would have been no replay at Hampden on Wednesday. When Crawford dashed ahead and whipped the ball across for the advancing McKenzie to sweep it home a gap was exposed, which would not have existed, had Meiklejohn been on the field. That happened twelve minutes after the resumption and the Cup-holders have rarely had such a gruelling as the Amateurs subjected them to until Captain David returned and restored the composure, solidity, and confidence of the Ibrox brigade. Queens Park were fortunate in many ways, yet, paradoxical as it may seem, they might easily have triumphed. How Crawford for instance failed to score a second goal from a few yards out when they had Rangers on the run is beyond my comprehension. Then in the first half Andersons puerile marksmanship robbed them of a certain goal. But against these near things can be placed the many excellent opportunities, which fell to the Cup-holders. Most of them were recklessly squandered by lack of repose and judgment by the inside wing men, but in the closing stages only the masterly keeping of Smith held them at bay. There was an understanding and power about the Rangers movements in the first half which ought to have given them a comfortable lead, but only one goal could they show. It arrived in eight minutes, Brown the most cultured and far-seeing middleman on view, swung out and then flashed the ball forward. The Hampden defenders were deceived by the lob, and first Marshall had a go. The ball was forced down, but on it like a flash, English shot it behind Smith. As the tie worn on and the onlookers keyed up to a high pitch of excitement Rangers discovered the proper tactics to adopt. Smith saved Queens Park then. Three saves by Smith were worthy of the highest praise and stamped him a top-grade keeper. As of yore, Rob Gillespie was more a back than a half-back, but his very presence wielded a tremendous influence, and once or twice he took the ball ahead by his own initiative and skill. Tenacious little Gardiner wrought with tireless energy, while Grant did better than I gave seen him in most matches this season. McKenzie was alert enough to snatch the equaliser and therefore escapes criticism. McAlpine was an inspiration. His finessing and feinting were not over done, and he at least contrived to keep Crawford moving. What a pity the others did not follow his example. Determined and fast, Dodds promised more than he achieved simply because of Simpsons splendid defensive work. None too sure early on, McDonald improved in time of need, his anticipation being admirable. No sign of the veteran did we see in Archibald his centres and shooting being a feature. Smith, however, was anything but impressive and only discarded his all-at ease feeling near the end. No fault attaches to the pertinacious English for the lack of driving force. And now for Hampden!
