St Mirren 2 vs. Rangers 3 - Oct. 22/2006

YOU KNOW WHEN YOU’VE BEEN NACHO ED (MARK II)


I’ve just had a serious case of de j’ vu. From Livorno to Love St., a 3-2 score line, a dodgy penalty against us, a cracking strike by Adam and a winning goal by, man of the moment, Nacho Novo. Three points was a must today and it came, albeit with a late scare, with a more lethargic performance than Thursday night. We did deserve the victory and it should have been by a much bigger margin as chances slipped by but after last weekend the two game and two win ratio will be accepted by all fans.
PLG made two changes to the side with the predictable Papac for Svensson and the slightly surprising Prso for Novo and after only 5 minutes we were behind and wondering if we had left half our team back in Italy. They came back to the fore though to produce some decent football to win the game and keep us in touch with the top.



Today’s team: -

Letizi: - He looked more confident than Thursday. Catching rather than punching and happy enough to come out and act as a sweeper. Had no chance with the first and was unlucky not to save the penalty.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Hutton: - Gets forward really well with some powerful running but needs to shore himself up at the back a bit before he can seriously call the Right back spot his own.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

JRod: - For want of a better word, I’d have to call his performance clumsy at best. Booked for a rash challenge early on and always looked one step off the pace. Will have to watch for Svensson breathing down his neck.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Papac: - Lost Sutton for the first goal but after that had a very composed game. Looks to be our most assured defender and it’s a great loss that he is cup tied for Europe.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Smith: - Linked up extremely well down the left hand side and had several foray’s into the box and even got a strike on goal! It was more Amoruso than Boyd though!
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Hemdani: - He wasn’t as notable today as he was on Thursday. Did what was asked though as he protected the back four. Needs to keep up his performances of late.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Bazza: - Another positive display as he pushed forward at every opportunity. He was always available for a pass and his vision for a pass in quite amazing. Good to see him getting up to match speed, at last.
Rmed Verdict: - 8

Adam: - His goal was an absolute screamer and nearly burst the net. Justifying PLG’s faith in him and is fast becoming an integral part of this team.
Rmed Verdict: - 8

Buffel: - Trying to silence his “consistency” critics by putting in back-to-back performances. He Ran the St Mirren defence ragged and added great touch and awareness and rounded it all off with a well taken goal.
Rmed Verdict: - 9 (MOTM Great display, taking the bull by the horns and driving at the defence time and again.)

Prso: - Not his best performance by any manner of means as he never quite got going. Too often he was let down by his first touch today.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Boyd: - Like Prso I felt that he wasn’t quite with us today. Had a couple of half chances but nothing of note. At the same time it’s good to know that we have goals in the team when he has an off day.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Novo (On for Prso): - Can’t put a foot wrong at the minute. Was sent on to save our blushes and duly banged in the winner. Has got amazing passion for Rangers and football in general.
Rmed Verdict: - 8

Sebo (On for Boyd): - Ran out the last few minutes with his typical strong running and closing down
Rmed Verdict: - 4

PLG: - Will be happy to see the points in the bag especially knowing that with each victory the confidence will be growing. With Martin, Bardsley, Novo, McGregor and soon Clement waiting in the wings he will have some headaches very soon too.
Rmed Verdict: - 7


All in all it has been a very good week to be a Gers fan. With Wins, performances and goals attached the future once again looks bright!!

WATP

Baz.