Rangers 2 vs. St Johnstone 0 - Nov. 11/2006

FORGIVEN BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

After the week that has just past, the very least that was expected from us today was fight and spirit. PLG must surely have asked a lot more from his beleagred “stars” in terms of determination, than has been shown in our last few games.
The result suggests that he got what he asked for but in truth it was another edgy nervous bunch of players who took the field and a more relieved than jubilant one that left it. We got the three points and the win that was deserved just not with the convincing manner that we all hope and want. The “one game at a time” phrase is so appropriate right now as we try and find a kick-start into a run of winning games.
We are all slightly happier bears today than we were yesterday but we have a long a winding road ahead of us until we find the level and consistency that we crave so much.



Today’s team: -

McGregor: - Rarely called into action during a fairly one-sided encounter. Another clean sheet to add to his CV, which is building very nicely.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Hutton: - Always looks good when not under pressure. Was allowed to push forward regularly and contributed well in the attacking moves
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Svensson: - Replaced Papac and will be happy to come away with a clean sheet to his name. Didn’t have much in the way of defending to do and will be hoping for a run in the team to prove himself.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Hemdani: - Cool and composed on the ball but not tested in the air today, which was a surprise, still not sure if this is an idealic position for him.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Smith: - Looks to have worked on his final ball as cross after cross went into the box just crying out to be attacked. Rocket of a goal as well to round off a fine performance.
Rmed Verdict: - 9 (MOTM would run all day down that left flank. Should be our left back for many years to come.)

Clement: - Still wondering if he got a touch of the ball as protecting the back four wasn’t the toughest of tasks today. He will have busier games in the coming weeks.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Bazza: - Sorely missed the other night and showed why as he controlled the flow of the game and started to show up more and more in the opposition box. Unlucky not to grab a goal just before the opener.
Rmed Verdict: - 8

Adam: - Better in possession than in previous games and got himself into some good attacking positions. Fully meriting his run in the team right now.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Novo: - Not his best display of the season but still managed to trouble Dunfermline down the right. His highlights were a great cross for Bazza and a 2-yard header that he managed to put over.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Martin: - Has yet to re-live his first appearance of the season as he struggled to get to grips with the game. He’s just back from injury and hopefully can, in time, get back to and beyond his true form.
Rmed Verdict: - 5

Prso: - Good game from the big man. Looked more comfortable in the second half than the first where he had Boyd to play to. Laid Smith’s goal on a platter with great touch and awareness.
Rmed Verdict: - 8

Boyd (On for Martin): - Was good to see PLG changing something that wasn’t working. Boyd might not be his personal favourite but he does no that he will score goals.
Rmed Verdict: - 8

Sebo (On Prso): - With two minutes to go it was just a run out for him.
Rmed Verdict: - 4

Rae (On for Adam): - See above
Rmed Verdict: - 4

PLG: - Has endured more than anyone in the last few weeks and deserved this victory today. He believes we are on the right track but is not under any illusion of how hard the task will be. I really, really hope that he comes good.
Rmed Verdict: - 7


The same can be said for the fans as I said for the players earlier, relieved as much as jubilant would best descried the post match bear, what we must now hope for is a back to back win. We really are starting from the bottom and working our way back up.



WATP

Baz.