Rangers 1 vs. Aberdeen 0 - Oct. 01/2006

SEBO’S SAVING GRACE


Or was it just saving face??
There are two ways of looking at today’s game, the first being of a decent three points as, four penalty appeals were waved away, any of which would have given us the impetus to drive on and finish the game off, a clean sheet and another goal for a striker who looks hungry for a place.
The second is of a lucky escape as it took until the 88th minute for us to break down an average Aberdeen side that could have snatched the game late on themselves. A nervous tension bit in to the players and the crowd as we failed to take our chances and looked once more like dropping points.
After all is said and done though, three points have been gained and we head towards an international break with back-to-back wins and guaranteed European football to come.



Today’s team: -

McGregor: Had little to amuse himself with until the last few minutes where he was happy to see the ball ricochet off the post and away. Can be pleased with his last months work.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Bardsley: - Solid enough display without being spectacular. Could improve on his forward play.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

J Rod: - Think he prefers the right side of the back two and went untroubled for much of the game. Had a very rash, untimely challenge near the death, which he dived into and missed.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Papac: - Brought back in as the only change from Thursdays team. More assured and physical than Hemdani could ever be back there. Clean sheet should be a bit of a lift as well.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Smith: - Burst forward to good effect although he seemed lost a couple of times when clean through on goal. Defended as well as ever to show why he has been our only constant this season.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Sionko: - Didn’t look in the mood today although we did see one or two bursts. Guilty of missing one of the sitters of the year.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Hemdani: - Back in his more natural role and did very little wrong or right. Would love to see him grit his teeth and nail a tackle just to show the passion was there.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Bazza: - Picking up the tempo of the games now and looked threatening. Controlled good spells in the middle of the park and made some good runs into the box. Will be very interesting to see where he fits into Walter’s Scotland plans for the next International.
Rmed Verdict: - 8

Adam: - Another who only played in flashes. Loves to get a crack on goal but wasn’t accurate enough with crosses, shots or free kicks. You feel he relishes the more central role.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Buffel: - Kept his place after his midweek performance and settled quickly into the same position. Made some telling runs and passes early on but faded as the game wore on.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Prso: - Linked well with Buffel. The only problem being the fact that they both like to drift wide which leaves the penalty box empty. Looked better in the second half when joined by Boyd.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Boyd (On for Sionko): - Gave us more strength up top and had a couple of half chances.
Rmed Verdict: - 5

Martin (On for Prso): - Strangest decision of the day as Boyd and Dado had looked good.
Rmed Verdict: - 5

Sebo (On for Adam): - Best decision of the day. Gave fight and passion up front and scored the goal that spared our sorrows.
Rmed Verdict: - 8 (MOTM for scoring the goal which will make the papers an easier read tomorrow)

PLG: - Must surely have a different view of Scottish football now than six months ago. Showed the fans that his passion is not a problem with his celebration of the goal.
Rmed Verdict: - 6


We now have a contemplation period where hopefully some our wrongs can be put right. I know that as a team we are not the best yet but now, more than ever, the points are THE most important thing. Lets keep as close to the top as possible until we bed in right.



WATP

Baz.