J Smith 1, 57
Match Information
Attendance: 12,000
Referee: J Thomson (Hamilton)
Matchday: Saturday
Match Trivia
In an unexciting game Rangers beat St Johnstone by two clear goals at Muirton Park Perth. Although the League leaders were not very impressive, they were the better football combination, but they were somewhat luck to win to the extent of two goals. Two simple goals one in each half did the damage and inflicted on St Johnstone their second home defeat for the season. Up to yesterday the Saints had lost only three points at Muirton Park. Loss of composure by the home forwards, who were held by opposing half-backs, was responsible for the surrender of the points. St Johnstone were full of energy in their outfield work, but when it came to close quarters they lost the grip, due to apparent excitement and anxiety. The Rangers played a quiet an unassuming game. They had a confident feeling throughout and had been really hard pressed there was always the impression that they could go one more than their opponents. Perhaps this confidence was engendered by the simple goal, which Smith scored in the first minute. After that they never really looked back. St Johnstone had the bulk of the attack, but their efforts broke down near goal and an outstanding forward of experience would have made all the difference in the home front line. In Davidson at inside left they had a grand versatile player, who was really the best forward on the field, but one inspired player cannot carry a team through to victory against a combination like Rangers. Teamwork pure and simple won the day for the League leaders. The Rangers opening goal was of a most simple nature. A short pass to Smith might have been intercepted but the centre got his foot on it. He had three-quarters of the goal space staring him in the face and he made no mistake. The Saints continued working very hard. The visitors second goal, twelve minutes after the restart, was something similar. Smith shot and the ball was returned to him, with his second effort he landed the ball in the net. St Johnstone, however, deserves credit for their pluck. They attacked for log spells at a time, but their efforts were without necessary force to bring any results. This will be realised when it is mentioned that both goalkeepers had just about the same amount of work. Rangers played with confidence, Gray was the useful club back, but his partner, McDonald took the eye with his clean kicking. Meiklejohn and Brown were grand wing halfs, while Simpson at centre-half was outstanding with the defensive work. He held Fulton, who was somewhat crude. McPhail and Fleming formed the best wing on view. Smith was a most tenacious centre, and Ireland had his work cut out in looking after him. With regard to the Saints, Clark was the best defender on view. Ferguson was the best of the wing halfs, but Mason worked perhaps more constructively. Dickie and Davidson especially the latter were good. Both lacked height and this was an important factor, for their opponents were big, hefty men in comparison. Height and weight were strong features of the Rangers team, and this impressed more than anything.
