Rangers 1 vs. Partizan Belgrade 0

SECOND STRING SECURE TOP SPOT

With qualification already secured and another game in mind come Sunday PLG rang the changes through the squad and asked the second string to prove that we have more strength in depth than we thought. Baz, Clement, Adam, Prso and Sionko were all rested and Buffel, JRod, Rae, Sebo and the lesser sighted N’Diaye were all given the chance to prove themselves in front of the weather braving fans.
The win and top spot gives us a small but timely boost before Sunday but rest assured we will need our big guns back for what will surely be a bigger challenge.



Today’s team: -

McGregor: - Was there when it mattered again. While accepting long shots without too much trouble for most of the game he pulled off a spectacular close range effort near the end.
Rmed Verdict: - 8

Hutton: - Our best attacks and their best attacks came down the same flank. This says a lot for Hutton’s forward and defensive abilities. Luckily it was the former that won us the game. Great goal and I must admit I was happy for him.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Svensson: - Not rash and doesn’t concede needless free kicks. Composed performance and is cementing that centre back spot quite nicely now. Could have scored with a better header too.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

JRod: - One of his last outings for the Gers? If so it gave us an inkling as to why. Gave away possession too much and is always liable to jump into a tackle.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Smith: - Has all the attributes to go on to become a Gers legend. Pace, energy, ability and is even adding strength as several times he bullied his opposite number out of possession. Good all-round game.
Rmed Verdict: - 8

Hemdani: - Moved up the pitch slightly and didn’t disappoint. Controlled the flow in the first have and held a make shift midfield together in the second. Acted like a sweeper more than once as well to mop up at the back.
Rmed Verdict: - 8 (MOTM for keeping a poor midfield going)

Rae: - Seemed to lack everything tonight. From bite and aggression to passing and tackling his overall performance was poor. It’s a shame but I think his days are numbered too.
Rmed Verdict: - 5

N’Diaye: - A lot of work rate, but didn’t seem to no what to do when he had the ball. Too many times he ran into trouble or relinquished possession. Another who didn’t grasp his opportunity.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Buffel: - very-good first half where he caused problems and ran the width of the pitch looking space. Same old story though where he disappeared in the second and seemed to lose interest.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Novo: - The usual grit and determination from the wee man but I think he missed the class of Ferguson tonight to feed him decent balls. Too many times a ball came in from the heavens, which isn’t ideal for a man of five foot four.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Sebo: - Plenty of tricks, flicks and guts about his performance tonight but he could have Abramovich’s billions and still not buy himself a goal just now. Two glorious chances were well save in the first half. Hasn’t done enough to be selected for Sunday.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Sionko (On for Novo): - Contributed very little to the nights proceedings
Rmed Verdict: - 4

Lowing (On for Hutton): - The natural successor to the right back slot?
Rmed Verdict: - 4

Stanger (On for Buffel): - Nice to get a run out on Euro night
Rmed Verdict: - 3

PLG: - To a calculated gamble by resting key members. He got away with the first part by securing top spot, now for the second….
Rmed Verdict: - 7


A win is a win as they say and it was a good one tonight considering the changes. I think though that seeing what we have in reserve tonight might just lead to one or two dealings in the transfer window.



WATP

Baz.