A Morton 2, 5
Muirhead
Fleming
S Archibald
Match Information
Attendance: 25,000
Referee: J Hudson (Glasgow)
Matchday: Saturday
Match Trivia
That Morton goal in three minutes did it. St Johnstone with a few exceptions – too readily accepted this early reverse as sounding their doom. I must find fault with them on that score, for though Rangers, in the first half, were playing football of a kind that was hard to stand up against, it is always up to an inferior side to take the most out of themselves. It was not that St Johnstone lacked ability, although in the rear they were outpaced and outpointed. They could have done a great deal better if they had managed to hold on to some confidence in themselves. I have seen McLaren play a shining game in the st Johnstone goal but here I think, the waves of blue shirts coming at him got somewhat on his nerves. And little wonder. Morton and Archibald had a merry afternoon, something after their Cathkin romp. Alan followed his opening goal with a second 20 minutes later. He ran in with a centre from Archibald and after McLaren had knocked out his first shot, he rammed home at the second attempt. Stevenson, a marvellously clever tactician, had been pulling his men out grandly, when Archibald went away with a Muirhead pass and doubled up McLaren with a ferocious shot. Before the goalkeeper had fully recovered, he was beaten again by a gliding header from Muirhead. Within four minutes Rangers scored twice more, Fleming getting both after McPhail and Morton had brought the ball through. So, what was left for St Johnstone in the second half? they showed signs of courage, but their defence could simply not keep out of trouble. With only 16 minutes gone three more goals were lost, Morton, Fleming and Archibald getting them. Archibald and Muirhead paved the way for the first of these, Fleming rolled home the second with McLaren and Jamieson on the ground in a collision, and Archibald’s goal was from a fierce drive almost from the touchline. Rangers’ first-half display was the best they have given at Ibrox, but I wouldn’t say it equalled their second half at Cathlin. There is nice scope for discussion there
