Hogg <45
J Cunningham (2)
Match Information
Attendance: 10,000
Referee: J.S.H. Mark (Glasgow)
Matchday: Saturday
Match Trivia
The visit of the Rangers to Paisley attracted a bog crowd to the Saints ground. With the reappearance of Husband on the, left wing, which enabled Paton to revert to right-half position, the ground team was at full strength and the form they exhibited against their redoubtable Ibrox opponents gave ample evidence that they have found their feet at a critical part of the season. Their victory breaks a series of defeats by the Rangers at Love Street, where last year the Light Blues romped home by 6 to 1. The game, if a little to the ‘tousy’ side, was most stirring throughout the pace being fast and both goalkeepers figuring prominently in the encounter. The losers opened in flattering style, the middle line co-operating with the forwards in some opening-out movements in which much accurate and methodical passing and neat footwork were shown. For the first twenty minutes, while by no means monopolising the play, they were the more finished and dangerous side, and during this period the Saints’ goal hand many narrow escapes from downfall, two of the closest shaves being from Low shots sent in from half-back by Chapman which just got outside the post when the goalkeeper’s vision was obscured by a crown of players in front. Gordon, Bowie and Hogg by exceptionally clever combination carried the ball three-fourths the length of the field, and the burly Englishman finished with a brilliant shot which Duncan distinguished himself by saving. Gradually, however, the Paisley front rank came more into the game, and a fast high shot by J Cunningham nearly caught Lock napping, but he managed to turn it over the bar. The same player had another fine effort not long after and McDougall in centre following suit with a smart try which skimmed the bar. A raid by Bennett and Smith brought the visitors the first goal, Hogg meeting the ball when crossed, and from short range banging it past Duncan. A few minutes from the interval, Bennett got injured in contact with the Paisley right back and had to be assisted from the field. The Rangers played the second half a man short, as Bennett was unable to resume. Realising their opportunity the Saints played desperately hard, and by their whole-hearted display quite merited the success they achieved. The Rangers’ four forwards did admirably, and from one of their dashes Reid almost scored with the best shot of the day, although hampered with a couple of Saints’ defenders close on him. Duncan got at the ball but it squirmed out of his hands and somewhat luckily for Paisley, just got round the post. At the other end Lock now came in for his hottest term, and it was only superlative saving by him that the delayed the equaliser. But latterly came from one of the softest looking shots he had to deal with, J Cunningham being the scorer. Continuing the pressure, the Saints near the close got the winning goal off the same player, who was in rampant form. The Rangers, in an attempt to save the game, played Richmond by himself at back, the stalwart Campbell being drafted into Bennett’s vacant place. They made some heroic efforts to get on terms but without avail. There was not a weak spot in the Paisley eleven, and the majority of the players touched their best form. The defence of Duncan and both backs was all that could be desired, and that H Riddell is due a special word of praise. In a most tenacious and effective middle line, Paton came easily first, and was not bettered by any player afield. His footwork when beating opponents, and his accurate placing was a perfect treat. Robertson was also specially good, and shadowed the Rangers’ scoring centre most successfully. If the winners’ forwards can keep up the some effectiveness they are not likely to be disturbed. In young Cunningham they seemed to have solved the right-wing problem. Husband played a dashing game on the left, and McDougall has never done better. The mainstays of the line, however, were Milne, whose pluck was outstanding, and J Cunningham, who shared with Paton the honours of a notable victory. There was nothing to anvil at in the display of the losers, with the exception of the backs, who were not on a par with the rest of the team. Campbell was flukey to begin with, but improved as the game went on. Richmond was too often beaten. As a pair they were inferior to Reid and Riddell.
