Kilmarnock 1 vs. Rangers 3 - April 29/2006

KEEPING THE FAITH

It seemed like another one of those days, struggling to convert our chances, soaking up pressure and losing another goal to go 1-0 down aaarrrggghhh!!

Then it happened, call it what you like, Divine Intervention, Miracle, Faith, it doesn't really matter. God brought us Big Marv and Big Marv brought us goals and not a moment too soon may iIadd as our CL place was sinking without trace. The game started well enough with Buffel and Rae going close with fine efforts but then the rot set in. Crosses going wayward, passes not finding their targets and chances going a begging. I personally believe that with Buffel playing behind Boyd that we never get enough men in the box. Prso and Burke run the wings and Buffel plays the free man and generally floats into wide areas leaving Boyd very isolated. The second half change of putting Prso alongside Boyd and Buffel wide helped us.

Now all we need is Cel.. to take some points off Hearts and we'll be in for another classic end to the season.

To the team :-

Mullet :- Had to be on his toes for most of the game. His distribution was excellent and he had no chance with the thunderbolt that was their goal.
RMed Verdict :- 6

Hutton :- Feel bad for him as his season is falling apart. Distribution was slack and crossing was sporadic. Needs a major confidence boost, and fast.
RMed Verdict :- 4

J Rod :- Good solid display from J Rod. Had a lucky escape early on with a penalty claim against him but after that didn't put a foot wrong.
RMed Verdict :- 7

Murray :- Uncomfortable at Centre back as Nish gave him the run around in the first half. Looked better at Right back although needs a run to find form.
RMed :- 5

Smith :- Had a great game. Defensivley he is improving with every game and attacking wise his confidence is sky high. Can pick out a good cross and rarey wastes a pass.
RMed Verdict :- 8 (MOTM must surey have caught the eye of PLG)

Burkey :- Hasn't quite reached the peaks of pre injury. Possibly through tighter marking as more defenders are watching out for him. Still gave it a good go and was unlucky not to win a penalty in the first half.
RMed Verdict :- 6

Hemdani :- Seemed to be given a marking roll on Johnstone and kept him quiet. Not quite as dominant as last week but a decent performance again.
RMed Verdict :- 6

Rae :- Graft and determination is there in bagfuls, needs a few more games which, unfortunately for him, he hasn't got. The signs are good that he can recapture the form that made Rangers buy him in the first place.
RMed Verdict :- 7

Prso :- Out wide or through the middle you know what your going to get. Played well down the flank but, for me, improved the team when played up front with Boyd.
RMed Verdict :- 7

Buffel :- Was the brains behind the brawn again as he created most of our good play. Still not used to, and doesn't like, the physical stuff and will have to learn to cope with that better.
RMed Verdict :- 7

Boyd :- Isolated too much up front and think he would perform better playing alongside another striker. Always bangs one in though so can't complain too much.
RMed Verdict :- 7

Big Eck :- How do you judge a manager? Man Management, Tactical Nous, Coaching ability or Substitutions? If it is only on the last one then Big Eck is a managerial Genius. Marvs introduction won us the game so given the benefit of the doubt...
RMed Verdict :- 8

It turned out well in the end, thank "God", and our challenge rolls on. A win against Hibs midweek and I think we'll have another final day drama on our hands. Given our track record in them it could yet be a celebratory end to the season.

WATP

Baz.