Pringle
Gossland
Hamilton
Unknown (2)
Match Information
Manager: No Permanent Manager
Attendance: 4,500
Referee: unknown - to be confirmed
Matchday: Saturday
Match Trivia
The second tie for this handsome trophy between the Vale of Leven and Rangers took place on Hampden Park and after one of the finest games soon this season, ended contrary to general expectations, in favour of the Rangers by three goals to two. Many before the game took place even went the length of predicting that the younger club would ‘never be in it’, but the brilliant forward play they showed completely surpassed the most sanguine expectations of their friends. The Vale of Leven were unfortunate at the last minute in losing the service of McFarlane one of their best forward, while the Rangers had secured a rare man in Christie, who played in the centre. Considering the threatening condition of the weather in the forenoon, there was a very large attendance of spectators, and we understand the ‘sixpenny gate’ realised close upon £100, which will be added to the charity fund. As the game advanced the cheers and counter cheers which greeted the brilliant efforts of the Rangers when they were two goals ahead clearly showed that they were the favourites; but it must not be supposed that the Vale of Leven team were without admirers for while their two goals both taken very smartly, were deservedly cheered, the grand back play of McIntyre and Forbes also received suitable acknowledgment. The former perhaps never played a better game in his life, but McPherson who improved towards the close missed the ball repeatedly, and his tackling was erratic and feeble. With the exception of Freil and Johnstone, the ‘Vale’ forwards were not worth a ‘rap’ and the close passing of Christie, Hamilton and Pringle combined with the collective play of the whole of the Rangers forwards, was very much superior to that of their opponents. Hamilton showed great speed, but was generally wild in his shooting at goal. Inglis and Christie made several fine runs in the centre and Pringle put in some good shots. All through the contest McIntyre and Holm played grandly in their respective positions; and while Duncan was scarily so sure as we have seen him in defending his goal, he kicked the ball with unerring precision. After the misfortune, which has attended the Rangers in some of their matches, the present contest proves that they are still worthy a place among the leading clubs of Scotland, and the victory also justified their selection in the Charity matches. The game began shortly after the advertised hour by the Rangers who had lost the toss for choice of ends, kicking of from the top end of the field. The ball was smartly returned by McIntyre and Freil getting a good start, dribbled well up till he came to Holm when the ball was cleverly taken from him and transferred to midfield. Here some hard tackling occurred for the mastery and by and by the Rangers forwards prevailed, and after a nice exhibition of passing play the ball was brought dangerously near McLintock by Christie. A scrimmage then ensured and in it McIntyre got the leather away cleverly and before the Vale forwards were again stopped they were close in on the Rangers goal, a shot from Johnstone coming so near that Gillespie had to clear his charge. After some open play the younger clubs forwards kept better together that those of the Vale of Leven, and Pringle getting a good start was close to the touch line with the ball at his toe when McPherson header it over his own lines. This gave the Rangers a corner-flag kick, which was so well placed by McIntyre that after a short scrimmage the younger club scored a goal – Inglis giving the ball the last touch with his left foot. The teams then faced up again in the centre of the area and after a deal of hard play on each side the Rangers forwards again monopolised the leather and had it not been for the brilliant back play of McIntyre (who never missed his kick) nothing could have saved several fast runs by Hamilton, Christie and Inglis from taking effect. At length the pressure near the place of defence was relieved and the Vale forwards started a smart run this time headed by Freil. Holm in doing his best to intercept the dribblers near the goal line sent the ball over and the Vale had a corner-flag kick, which was used to some advantage for after some pressing in front by Freil, McCrae and Johnstone, the latter earned a fine goal for his side. This made the game equal, but it did not long remain so. Soon after the kick off from the centre necessitated by the scoring of a goal the Rangers had another corner-flag kick but the defenders prevailed in the scrimmage cleared their lines. The ball however came back again and assuredly the Alexandra men had a bad three minutes. McPherson missed his kick twice and gave the Rangers a double chance and at length Gossland got within range and made a second record for his side. The score was appealed against offside but it was allowed by the judges. The Rangers were now fairly in it and a few minutes before half time Hamilton who had the ball nicely passed to him by Inglis and Pringle scored a third goal. After a short interval the teams were at it again, and in a hard battle for possession near the Vale of Leven twenty five yard flag Kennedy and McCrae made a pretty run right up to the mouth of the Rangers goal and a shot from the former caused Gillespie to use his hands. For some time after this the Vale of Leven improved in their play very materially and after invading their opponents lines, McPherson succeeded in making three corner–flag kicks for them in successions but after the last a fine chance was lost by McIntyre sending the ball over the goal bar. After the kick out however they renewed the attack and in a scrimmage McPherson made a hard shot for goal, which took effect. This made matters three goals to two. Time was now wearing on and both sides did their very best but no additional scoring occurred and the Rangers were hailed the winners by three goals to two. During the game both Inglis and McIntyre received injuries, which disable them for a time but with becoming pluck they resumed their places, and played away till the close. After the contest the teams had tea together in the Athole Arms Hotel. The final tie now remains to be played between the Queen’s Park and the Rangers and is now sure to attract a very large crowd.
