Dunfermline 1 vs. Rangers 1 - Aug. 13/2006

NO CHANGE FROM NO CHANGE

I wonder what PLG is now thinking about his team selection for next week, for after three games with an un-changed side, including one win and two draws, I feel that something is going to give. For me it was a great surprise that Boyd was missing from the starting line up and also that Sebo did not play some kind of role.
Maybe PLG is just starting to learn that, for most SPL teams that he comes up against this year, he will have to devise tactics to penetrate eleven man defences. More concerning today though was our defence, again, though I would not put the blame solely on our centre backs, which leads me nicely into…

Today’s team: -

Letizi: - After a good start to his Ibrox career he had a howler today. He looked vulnerable and erratic for anything that he had to come out for. Was culpable for the goal.
Rmed Verdict: - 4

Hutton: -
Smith: - Going to break tradition here by doing this pair together. I feel that it is necessary as this is a part of our formation that concerns me. With two defensive midfielders and two centre backs both Hutton and Smith have been asked to bomb forward which they have done very well, distribution was very poor today though especially crosses, BUT as they are going forward there seems to be plenty of space left open for opposition attacks. All our goals conceded this season have come from unchallenged crosses coming into the box. Now, is this because the full backs are out of position?? Or are our defensive midfielders not tracking back?? One for discussion I feel.
Rmed Verdict: - 5

Svensson: - Slowly starting to find his feet but needs to work on the communication with Letizi. Some hairy moments out there between the two.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

JRod: - Had little to do for much of the game and what he had to do he did well. Not at fault for the goal as Letizi managed to goof that up all by himself
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Hemdani: - Plain and simple, doesn’t do enough for the team. Gets by in each game but never excels.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Clement: - Continues to impress but is being asked to do too much as he tries to cover for Hemdani.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Sionko: - Didn’t get a grip of the game and drifted in and out. Set pieces were also very poor from a man, we are told, is somewhat of an expert. Had one good run and one two with Prso but did little else.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Buffel: - Good game. Constant threat to the Pars and scored a good goal. I feel this goal will lead to several more.
Rmed Verdict: - 7 (MOTM there wasn’t a great deal of competition this week)

Adam: - As Sionko, got stuck with the eleven man wall in front of him and couldn’t break through. Tried hard to no avail.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Prso: - Typical effort from the big man but not effective again. Would like to see him in a wider role.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Boyd (On for Prso): - Needs to start these games rather than trying to come on and win them. Think his chance will come very soon.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Burke (On for Sionko): - A bit more direct than Sionko and looked more dangerous. Made our hearts skip a beat as he blundered a dummy on the edge of our own box.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Martin (On for Adam): - Bright and lively debut and looked very dangerous. Will be interesting to see how the side shapes up in the coming weeks.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

PLG: - Has a few big decisions to make this week as I think that he will have to alter his first team. Are these new tactics right for the SPL? Start with Boyd? What to do with the defence? Unenviable task PLG but we’re all behind you all the way!
Rmed Verdict: - 6



Very frustrating day for all Gers fans as, for the first time, the shine is starting to wear off and a couple of hairline cracks appear. Good times are ahead though I just feel it!!

KEEP BELIEVING
WATP


Baz.