Hannah 20
A Smith
Missed Penalties
Johnstone pen miss
Match Information
Manager: No Permanent Manager
Attendance: 20,000
Referee: Mr Dickson (Wishaw)
Matchday: Saturday
Match Trivia
Few there were of the many anxious souls at Ibrox Park who did not heave a sigh of relief when all was over. So uncertain had the play been that a second goal to either team seemed imminent, and in the circumstance for either side to have courted defeat would have been a decided hardship. Doubtless the Rangers deserve the more commiseration for towards the close of the match they brought severe pressure to bear on their opponenets defence, and throughout the game had done the bigger share of the aggressive play. But the Third Lanark, if not so consistent in their attacking movements, exhibited a grand defence, and revealed to the full those qualities of pluck, and determination which are so dear to every true sportsman’s heart. The game, take id all in all, was a great one. Notwithstanding the highly unfavourable atmospheric conditions and the miry, heavy footing which had to be contended with, the players one and all responded nobly to the occasion, and gave a display of energy and stamina that was nothing short of wonderful. Of course the importance of the event upset several of the players, and many blunders and faults were witnessed, in fact members of both teams – but more especially of the Rangers – played distinctly blow their average form. The Third Lanark were seen to their best in the first half, when they had the wind in their favour, but there is no denying the fact that the Rangers were unlucky not to score in the first fifteen minutes. First Hamilton and then Turnbull missed opportunities of a life-time, and certainly their failure to net the ball did not by any means tend to increase the confidence of their team. Somehow danger was scented the moment the Third Lanark forwards got set agoing, and the Rangers defence showed signs of their uncertainty to beat them, which came as a somewhat sorrowful surprise to their many followers. Twenty minutes had gone when Hannah and Johnstone forced a corner kick, and so well did the latter place the ball that the former contrived, neatly and smartly to head the ball into the net. Plenty of clever mid-field play was accomplished by the Rangers, but on nearing goal their tactics were of the weakest and clumsiest description. Hamilton was so far the biggest disappointment, he repeatedly failing to manipulate the ball with any accuracy or judgement. Taking grace of heart from the poor form of the Rangers quintette, the visitors forwards dashed along the field at a great pass, and so hotly did they press that Mitchell, in his anxiety to save the Rangers from further disaster, knocked the ball away with his hand. The inevitable penalty kick was awarded, but thanks to a piece of brilliant, if somewhat lucky goalkeeping by Dickie, the ball was twice in succession got away. The second half began with the Rangers a goal down, but at once it became apparent that the team meant business. The nice close passing was discarded, and in its place long passing, and smart following up were seen. This style of play, which resembled that of their opponenets, soon brought its reward. Hamilton began to shoot oftener and with more accuracy, and in ten minutes A Smith with a fast shot made the score level. Thereafter both teams tried very hard to gain the lead, and as the game drew near the finish each moment was expected to bring the greatly-converted point to the Rangers. But the Third Lanark defended stoutly, and to their efforts and the fact that the heavy going had sapped the strength of the Rangers forwards to a very considerable extent, the result of the game is due. Although the Third Lanark forwards had not nearly so much of the play as the Rangers quintette, they were the more dangerous lot. Rarely have Drummond and Smith along with the famous half-back line, had a more trying time. Every stratagem had to be resorted to, but in spite of all the Cathkin front line repeatedly got very close to Dickie. That custodian behaved in his best style, and richly merited the heavy cheering, which came from all parts of the enclosure. Drummond was played as he seldom was played before, and it was amusing to see the big back compelled time and again to kick the ball into touch. Gillespie and Beveridge apparently knew all his dodges, and trickery and resource made Drummond’s work look occasionally very ineffective. All the same the Ranger put in some splendid kicking, and was without doubt a tower of strength to his side. Smith was inclined to take matters rather easy, but with such players to deal with as Hannah and Johnstone he had frequently to put his best foot foremost. Johnstone’s fearless rushing and swift deadly shooting constituted one of the finest features of the game, and whatever may be his faults, there is no getting over the fact that it is to play such as his that the downfall of a team possessed of such crack backs and half-backs as the Rangers may be looked for. Gibson had a hot job to tackle and all things considered he came through the ordeal very creditably indeed, although he had nothing to spare. The Third’s front line was held well together by Smith, who was very fresh on the ball, but lacked shooting power. In the first half Miller was the only forward of the Rangers who could do himself justice, and throughout the game he forced the play to a remarkable degree. He was not over well severed by McPherson, who preferred to romp all over the field. Hamilton was for a long time terribly sleepy, and even in the later stages of the game he was slow and erratic when near goal. McCue it is true seemed to have a special commission to watch him, bur Barr and Gardner proved to be the greatest stumbling blocks to his progress. Not one but often did the Third’s backs rob him of the ball in the easiest fashion, and although Hamilton gave the poor exhibition he has yet given since he joined the Rangers. Turnbull and A smith made a more effective wing than McPherson and Miller, though Smith did not get nearly so much of the ball as he might have done. Simpson and Banks got a lot of bashing, but they took and gave without turning a hair. Banks was not class enough for Miller, and had the latter been better backed up by McPherson Banks would have received a severe showing-up. Barr and Gardner once more demonstrated their worth to the Third Lanark, but while giving full recognition to the cool and clever play exhibited, it must not be forgotten that they were fortunate to find the Rangers forwards in such unusually poor form. Of the goal-keeping not a word can be said in complaint. Neither custodian was over-burdened with work, but each had one or two decidedly nasty shots to repel.
