Auxere 2 vs. Rangers 2 - Nov. 23 2006

NO QUALITY BUT QUALIFIED

Two teams low on confidence, two bad defences, two goals apiece but only ONE team that’s qualified. Rangers are once more the FIRST to qualify past the group stages only this time it’s in the EUFA Cup.
The game itself was full of mistakes and poor play and once more our defence filled me full of dread every time they came forward although Smiths injury and JRod playing left back really didn’t help. To come back from a goal down away from home, twice, does show that the team is developing a sense of fight though and on a night of dreadful weather, the point in the bag was THE most important factor.



Today’s team: -

McGregor: - Conceded two goals and has to be fuming at the defence in front of him. Kept us in the game with some superb saves and truly deserves the number one jersey.
Rmed Verdict: - 8

Hutton: - Skinned too many times down the right and never looked like coping with their wide men. On a plus note, delivered a good deep cross for our second goal. Has to remember he is a defender first and foremost.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Svensson: - Still young and inexperienced but will have to learn extremely fast if he wants to retain a place in the squad. Basic defensive errors on, all be it, a very tricky surface will have to be rectified.
Rmed Verdict: - 5

Hemdani: - Too often did the simple things wrong. He is more instinctively a midfielder than a defender and tends to try and play his way out of trouble rather than hoof a ball into touch. He is filling a gap but this surely has to be temporary.
Rmed Verdict: - 5

Smith: - A bad knee twist shortened his evening and I really hope that it isn’t too serious.
Rmed Verdict: - 3

Clement: - Normally loves the European game that gives him a bit more freedom and space. Had a hard game tonight trying to track runs and plug gaps that never ceased to appear in our back four. Links well with Bazza though and shows the making of forming a very good midfield trio.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Bazza: - Once more he took the brunt of the responsibility and led by example. All of our creative play flowed through him and he was the instigator of the first goal and also the man that ran the length of the pitch in the last minute to hold the ball in the corner flag.
Rmed Verdict: - 9 (MOTM Truly gutsy performance.)

Adam: - Links up well with Baz and Clement and was influential in the last third as seen in the first goal that Nacho nicked from his toes. Good work rate throughout as well.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Novo: - Again looked to be our biggest goal threat with a couple of decent efforts before popping up to toe poke the first. His effort and fight for the cause can never be questioned
Rmed Verdict: - 8

Dado: - Struggled to have much effect down the left as he lacked the support which is normally supplied by Smith. Gave his all and looked knackered when subbed in the second half.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Boyd: - Like Prso, he struggled through lack of support at times but how many times does he just appear at the right time to knock the ball home.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

JRod (On for Smith): - Never has been or will be a left back. Tried hard to fill the role but without success. His lack of confidence was contagious when he came on.
Rmed Verdict: - 4

Sionko (On for Prso): - Gave us a more direct feel and created two really good chances. Showed glimpses of his early season form.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Sebo (On Novo): - The decision was greeted by boo’s at Novo going off. Sebo can’t be expected to show anything with 5-10 minutes per game.
Rmed Verdict: - 4

PLG: - Got the point that secured European football after Christmas but has a massive headache that’s reappeared in the defence after two clean sheets.
Rmed Verdict: - 7


A terrible night for playing football got what it asked for but for Rangers the point and qualification gives another boost to a squad that is showing signs of developing.



WATP

Baz.