Fleming 42, 86
Match Information
Attendance: 15,000
Referee: M.C. Hutton (Glasgow)
Matchday: Saturday
Match Trivia
St Mirren sadly disappointed their followers yesterday, not because they did not try hard enough on the contrary, they played themselves to a standstill but because of their almost entire lack of method. They had quite a lot of the play, but they have to thank individual effort, or long upfield passes, for much of their presence in Rangers territory. On the other hand, the champions moved with sweetness and confidence, their halfs always in position to take a pass from a harassed forward, and they adopted a fine open game, which was bound to play on a greasy surface. Still, they had their faults, principal of which was their inability to take advantage of a considerable margin of attack. While I admired McPhails outfield work, his clever passing and positioning, I marvelled at his weakness when it came to shooting. He had several good efforts certainly, but there were other occasions on which he really ought to have counted, and at least twice he held on to the ball close in when a couple of colleagues were absolutely open. Saints had to undergo a severe pressure during the first ten minutes and were in luck in keeping their goal intact. When eventually they shook this off, they managed to worry the opposing defence now and again, but there was no solidity about their movements. Their front line never moved as one; we had an odd bit of close passing between McIndoe and Rankine which generally beat itself, and their half-backs conception of feeding consisted in kicking hard up the middle. Against the stonewall defence of Simpson, who was never at any time particular where he put the ball, Meechan had little chance, although he certainly worked hard and cleverly to get his line going, and the 17,000 spectators admired his wholeheartedness. I think the Ibrox players were getting a bit worried as time wore on, and even with the favouring wind no goals were forthcoming, but I could see the writing on the wall as the interval drew near. Even when the goal did come along, they had to thank Ancell for the counter. This is how it came about. Fleming got a pass out from McPhail, and out-distancing Hay drove hard for goal. Fotheringham stopped the shot, but palmed it down, with Ancell standing close by. The back made no effort to clear, and as he was between the ball and Fotheringham, the goalkeeper couldnt get to it. But Fleming did he had followed on, and he smashed it home with confidence. This was ten minutes before the interval and didnt nearly represent the difference between the sides. Twice previous to the score, Saints might with care have opened their account, but the quick anticipation of Gray on each occasion, plus hesitancy on the part of attackers, nullified these. Knox was the one dangerous Saint at this period he had McAulay well in hand, and he had a great chance just previous to the interval when he found himself in front of Hamilton in my opinion he was well offside but he hesitated so long that a defender came behind and kicked back to the goalkeeper. With the wind in their favour, Saints had a better share in the second half, but their efforts were crude generally and easily coped with. Still there was always a chance of surprise, as Rangers lead was very narrow, and so it remained until four minutes from the end. Marshall, working like a horse, had a great dribble, and latterly sent to Archibald. The veteran took a few strides and sent over a fine head-high cross, which Fleming took on his forehead and Fotheringham was beaten. Rangers, as I have indicated, were on top most of the time. I liked their play, it was clever, classy, and confident. That they did not win by a wider margin was not altogether due to and finishing. As a matter of fact, they had many great shots, nor can I attribute it to wonderful goalkeeping Fotheringham played quite well but had much luck on his side. I was delighted with their two wingers Archibald and Fleming the former appeared to become faster as the game advanced, and he sent over many fine balls. Fleming had both goals, and his outfield work was at times sound. Marshall worked terribly hard and didnt spare himself, he passed with more precision than I have often seen him do, and he had hard luck on a couple of occasions in not scoring. McPhail, I have mentioned, but he was of great value despite his failing, and if he was inclined to play for safety near the end, his policy proved sound. English did not meet with a lot of success, but he gave him opponents a busy time of it keeping him out. And he opened the game well. As usual, Meiklejohn and Brown were class half-backs, always in touch with the men in front. Hay was the better of the home backs, Ancell, although doing some clever tackling, being overplayed generally by Archibald. The home halfs were below their usual form, Miller being perhaps the best. Meechan had poor support, his inside men being too slow and deliberate, Knox was the most dangerous attacker, although he latterly faded out, Rankine being only prominent in spasms although his footwork was very clever.
