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Trivia
- Celtic's advancement to the final of the Scottish Cup was at the expense of Kilmarnock, whom they defeated by three goals to nothing. It was a victory but not a triumph, for Celtic had many weaknesses exposed, and were flattered by the margin of their win. The Parkhead men were not convincing, and a shrewder attack than Kilmarnock's would have made better use of the flaws in the Celtic defence. Joe Nibloe, the Kilmarnock international back, was in excellent form, but goals from Charlie Napier, Willie Hughes, and Jimmy McGrory sealed Celtic's place in the final.
- The finalists in both the Scottish and the English Cup contests emerged on Saturday. Celtic and Motherwell will go forward to Hampden, and Birmingham and West Bromwich Albion to Wembley.
- Motherwell's victory over St Mirren was of more modest dimensions, only one goal separating the clubs.
- In the English contest Birmingham owe their right of entry into the final to the defenders, for Sunderland pressed heavily for the greater part of the game. It was Birmingham, however, who got the goals, Bob Middleton, the ex-Cowdenbeath goalkeeper, being defeated twice, although he played an excellent game. Neglected chances spelled Everton's tragedy. The stronger team they looked like, having an easy task in disposing of West Bromwich Albion, but frittered away their opportunities, and ended with a deficit of one goal.
- Speaking at a banquet given by the Maharajah of Janipur, the viceroy of India, Lord Irwin said that in his conversations with Mr Gandhi he felt he could put implicit trust in his word.
Review
Teams
KILMARNOCK:
Clemie, Leslie, Nibloe, Morrison, T. Smith, McEwan, Connell, Muir, Duncan, Ramsay, Aitken.
Scorers:
CELTIC:
J. Thomson, Cook, McGonagle, Geatons, McStay, Scarff, R. Thomson, A. Thomson, McGrory, Napier, Hughes.
Scorers:
Napier, Hughes, McGrory.
Referee: P. Craigmyle (Aberdeen).
Attendance: 53,973
Articles
- Match Report (see end of page below)
Pictures
Articles
The Scotsman – Monday, 16th March 1931, page 5
CELTIC'S VICTORY
Celtic, redoubtable Cup fighters—they have held the trophy on twelve occasions and have contested the final no fewer than twenty times—won their way through to another final at Hampden Park on Saturday, when they defeated Kilmarnock, registering three goals and losing none.
They were not a convincing band, however, and the score undoubtedly flattered them. They seldom, if ever, moved with the precision and power that has characterised their play this season. They could not develop a profitable combination on the right; while the entire front line, with the exception of the artistic and subtle Alec Thomson were repeatedly frustrated by the resourceful and quick—tackling Rugby Park defenders.
Clemie had little to do and the irony of it is that he was virtually an onlooker until the first two goals were scored. He was ably guarded by the strong, fearIess, Nibloe whose display was without blemish. Indeed, if judged on this exhibition, he comes right into line for his cap against England. He was more resourceful and consistent than Leslie, who nevertheless, did not shirk his arduous task.
No half-back excelled the judicious Morton, whose purveying could not have been better. If he had a fault, it was his tendency to hold the ball too long; and his artistry was in direct contrast to the stereotyped movements of some of the others.
Smith also distinguished himself by the effective way he subdued McGrory, who was not the darting, menacing raider he has been of late. There was not the expected understanding and rhythm manifested in the Kilmarnock attack. The snap and cohesion required were seen more than once, it is true, but never sustained.
It was not a happy day for Celtic, inasmuch that flaws were exposed that would have been exploited by a shrewd, purposeful attack. John Thomson did all that was asked of him, but his comrades directly in front were none too comfortable, under pressure, John Thomson proved his worth in the early minutes, when he rose to a fierce volley from Morton and cleared in masterly fashion.
With thirteen minutes gone, however, Kilmarnock lost a goal. All against the run of the play, Napier put Celtic in front. Alec Thomson paved the way. The cunning leading-out manoeuvre allowed Hughes to gather the ball and cross it unhampered. The Rugby Park defenders did not cover Napier as they should have done and the Parkhead inside left headed through from close range.
Kilmarnock struggled with pluck and perseverance to draw level, and they were unfortunate in being foiled, Thomson saving from Morton and Duncan. They claimed a penalty near the interval, but the referee saw no infringement by McGonagle.
Celtic's second goal came, soon after the restart. Bert Thomson dashed ahead and swept the ball into the centre. Watching its flight, Hughes rose and met it in the air with his head. Clemie appeared to clutch the ball, but it squirmed out of his hands into the net. It was indeed a blow to Kilmarnock's hopes, but they continued to fight back with courage and skill. They could not force home their outfield advantage, and any chance they had of saving the game evaporated when McGrory, after twenty-eight minutes went through and crashed a well-directed left-foot- drive past the helpless Clemie.
Seven minutes before the end, Smith, the Rugby Park centre-half, collapsed through exhaustion and had to be carried off the field on a stretcher.
The official attendance was 53,973; and the gate money £2,051, exclusive of booked seats.
Glasgow Herald 16th March 1931
