Dunfermline 0 vs. Rangers 2 - Sept. 20/2006

CHANGE IS GOOD, FOR A WIN


Eight changes to the weekend side saw Rangers with a weakened side that, in the end, showed enough to give PLG a few headaches for Saturday. The game started like the Hibs game finished with possession being squandered all too easily. In the end though it was the second half that brought about the most significant changes, not only to the match, but maybe to our season as a whole.
From somewhere, we got a confidence boost, a shot in the arm as we dominated the ball, the game, and the goals, which saw us progress into the next round. More importantly, it gives us a big lift before the trip across the city.

Today’s team: -

McGregor: Another solid display in the No1 Jersey. Did everything asked of him, which wasn’t much, with a touch of confidence.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Hutton: - Not so much a shock recall as Bardsley is suspended for the next game. Took his chance really well and looked to be playing hard for his place. Good and solid at the back and drove forward to help Burke.
Rmed Verdict: - 8

Hemdani: - The first big surprise of the night but what a game he had. Read every attack extremely well, talked solidly and organised this new back line with great authority. May well be the missing link we’ve been striving for.
Rmed Verdict: - 9 (MOTM Superb assured defensive display)

Papac: - First full debut and first clean sheet, let’s hope there are many more where they came from. Looked strong in the air and pacey on the deck, an ideal compliment to Hemdani
Rmed Verdict: - 8

Smith: - The only regular in the back four tonight. Looked very threatening going forward especially in the second half.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Sionko: - Looks like a player short on confidence but tried hard to get into the game. His biggest problem is that he gave us such a great showing in his first game that he can’t live up to expectations.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Rae: - Next of the big changes. Sat back in the holding roll and played the ball around ok. He is never going to jump the pecking order of the Ibrox midfield but did a job tonight.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Adam: -Was asked to play the orchestrater in midfield and supply the ammunition for the attack. Coped well with the challenge but I liked him better out wide as he played in the first game.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Burke: - Don’t think I saw him in the first half But he exploded into life in the second. His running, when he switched to his natural right side, inspired the whole team.
Rmed Verdict: - 8

Novo: -The biggest surprise of the night. The sighting of the lesser spotted Novo. I admit to having a soft spot for him as, like normal, he runs his heart out for the team. His expression at being subbed, very unhappy chappy, makes you know that he was fighting for his future.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Boyd: - I’m running out of ways to say how good he is. He missed his usual two or three chances but as always, when we needed him there he was to have a good hand in the first goal and, my god, was he inspirational in the second. What a screamer!!
Rmed Verdict: - 8

Martin (On for Sionko): - Carried a great deal more threat than the man he replaced.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Buffel (On for Novo): - Came on and two minutes later the game was wrapped up. Not much for him to do after that
Rmed Verdict: - 5

Sebo (On for Burke)- The game was won and he was just playing out time
Rmed Verdict: - 4

PLG: - Some very brave and bold decisions in his line up but it paid dividends as our name goes into the hat for the quarterfinals
Rmed Verdict: - 8


A sharper, crisper and more confident Gers side left the pitch than the one that entered it and hopefully that confidence is taken to Celtic park at the weekend. The main problem now is team line-up as tonight has left PLG with more questions than answers

WATP

Baz.