Rangers 4 vs. Hapoel Tel Aviv 0 Feb. 22 2007

“FOUR”MIDDABLE



I’ve read and heard a lot over the last while about what Rangers are all about as a footballing side and as a club in general and about what makes us so special. Well, the package that was delivered tonight, epitomised, for me, everything that Rangers stand for and more!
From the moment the team hit the pitch until Charlie Adam swept the ball majestically into the back of the net I was in awe. The atmosphere was electric, the football was first class and the goals just iced the cake.
The inclusion of Thomson and Bazza back into the starting line up boosted confidence from the word go, and how the Israelis must have wished that there underhand ploy to get Baz banned had worked as he tore their side apart with a superb leading role. The under cast weren’t too shabby either as for the first time in a long time we looked like a good footballing side. Don’t get me wrong, there was the very occasional blip where we let our guard down but frankly, who cares!!
It was a performance that the fans had been waiting on and the timing of it was second to none as the last 16 of European football will hit Ibrox again, and as a slight twist, the first ever game on European soil for our next opponents, Ossasuna was against Rangers.



Today’s Team :-

McGregor: - Only one real talking point for our keeper but unfortunately it wasn’t for any great saves. Was sent off for….em something that nobody is quite sure of. I’m willing to put money on, though, that the Tel Aviv player has been to acting school.
Rmed Verdict :- 6

Hutton: - Becoming more accomplished over the last few games. Didn’t commit himself too much and defended solidly. Even his crossing wasn’t too erratic!
Rmed Verdict :- 7

Hemdani: - Slipped back into defence again and proved once more that it is an easy move for him. Neat and tidy and read a lot of the game. He also gives us better possession at the back as he can play the ball around very comfortably.
Rmed Verdict :- 8

Weir: - His first European as a blue and was the rock in the heart of defence. Didn’t put a foot wrong all night and organised those around him with all the experience of his years.
Rmed Verdict :- 9

Murray: - Struggled a bit in the first half with the trickery of their little winger. Got more to grips with things in the second and will be happy to come away with a clean sheet
Rmed Verdict :- 6

Burke: - Started on the right but switched back and forwards. It didn’t matter what side he was on though, he scared the living daylights out of them with his pace and trickery. Faded a bit in the second half but it was great to see the wee man putting on a show for us again.
Rmed Verdict :- 8

Rae : - Again took the place of Adam for a Euro tie. Looked nervous and edgy, especially in the first half as he more often than not gave the ball away. Came more into the game in the second and made some incisive runs.
Rmed Verdict :- 6

Thomson: - Another European debut for Rangers and he passed with flying colours. Tracked back, tackled strong and never wasted a pass. He gave every ounce of energy to the cause and in no way looked out of his depth at this step up in level.
Rmed Verdict :- 8

Novo: - Like Burke switched back and forward from right to left. Made some good runs down the flanks and set up Baz’s first goal on a platter. Another who fell out of the game a bit late on, but never shirked his responsibilities.
Rmed Verdict :- 7

Bazza: - Wow. Don’t know what else to say. To say he led by example is an extreme understatement. By the time the game had finished, he didn’t have another ounce to give. Strength, vision, passing, creation and to top it all off, finishing. Made this the complete performance for me.
Rmed Verdict :- 10 (MOTM enough said)

Boyd: - The great debate will continue as he once more served the cause by bagging the second, what hand ball!, but didn’t seem to get into the rest of the game. Did look slightly isolated at times, but for me his goals are an invaluable commodity which are too easily overlooked.
Rmed Verdict :- 7

Prso (On for Boyd): - Didn’t look quite match fit, but who can blame him. Set up Baz for the crucial third goal.
Rmed Verdict :- 5

Klos (On for McGregor) :- Might still have the saves but somebody is going to have to teach him to kick a ball, and quick.
Rmed Verdict :- 4

Adam (On for Novo) :- Played 1 minute, scored 1 goal. Can’t ask more.
Rmed Verdict :- 5

Smith :- Some say he can’t do Europe, but this result puts a bit of that ghost to rest. Got the tactics spot on and must be over the moon with the outcome. Showed his passion on the touch line as well, much to the officials dislike.
Rmed Verdict : - 8


An excellent night to be a Ranger as from top to bottom, fan to player, every man showed the passion and commitment to the overall cause. Now we move onto the next challenge but if we produce games like this, then we should fear no one.


WATP

Baz.

Rangers 2 vs. Falkirk 1 Feb. 18 2007

SCRAPING SCORES


A brand new silky smooth turf has been laid at Ibrox just in time for the new, sleek style of crisp, passing football that is on display, well if that was the thought then it was way off the mark. It was a day of missed passes and half chances which resulted in a scrappy but welcomed victory, especially since the teams below us all dropped points.
The selection, again, had a surprise involved with Burke being “rested” and Sionko taking his place. The other change saw Rae being replaced by Adam. The game itself turned out to be a display of decent possession with little end product and will have to improve before the arrival of Hapoel on Thursday. The other main talking points came from the injuries to Svensson but more importantly Bazza as five minutes from time he hobbled to the touchline holding his groin.
The game itself saw another three points on the board in the quest for second place and a reduction in the points gap to them.


Today’s Team :-

McGregor: - Looked more confident in coming for crosses today and was let down badly by his defence for the goal. Had a superb double save in the second half to keep our chances alive.
Rmed Verdict :- 7

Hutton: - His usual performance of high energy, good runs and poor end product. For all the talking though, he through a great ball into the box for Boyd to notch the opener.
Rmed Verdict :- 7

Svensson: - Only managed the first half but did a reasonable job beside Weir. Had relatively little to do and, although maligned, will be needed for Thursday.
Rmed Verdict :- 5

Weir: - Looked vulnerable to anyone who tried to run at him but dealt easily with anything over the top. The constant change of partner over the last few games won’t be helping in him in any way.
Rmed Verdict :- 7

Murray: - Steady and reliable without offering too much in an attacking sense. Apart from the European game he has filled in well for Stevie Smith.
Rmed Verdict :- 6

Sionko: - Surprise inclusion on the right and never did anything to put Burkes position in jeopardy. Can’t remember a decent performance from the Czech international since the start of the season.
Rmed Verdict :- 5

Bazza: - We would seriously be lost without him at the moment as few others seem able to step up to the mark. Made telling runs into their box and was the only creative force we had. In saying that, even some of his passes were missing the target today.
Rmed Verdict :- 8

Hemdani: - Working his way back into the managements plans with some good solid displays. Could still do more going forward but his covering and awareness in helping his back line were prominent and required.
Rmed Verdict :- 8 (MOTM never wasted a pass and mopped up at the back.)

Adam: -Brought back in and would have been hoping for an influential display. It wasn’t forthcoming though as a large percentage of his crosses and passes failed to find there target. Knows he’s walking a tight line especially with Thomson and Prso on the road to recovery.
Rmed Verdict :- 5

Novo: - Had one or two mazy runs but never really caused the Falkirk defence enough problems. The work rate is never in doubt but the quality is never far from question.
Rmed Verdict :- 6

Boyd: - The usual complaint for the big man. Wasn’t seen often enough but the way he took that ball down and slotted it home, for me, more than makes up for any shortfall. 21 goals for the season speaks for itself.
Rmed Verdict :- 7

Papac (On for Svensson): - Was looking ok until the ball was slipped behind him for the goal.
Rmed Verdict :- 4

Burke (On for Sionko) :- Definitely the better option on the right wing and must surely be re-instated for Thursday.
Rmed Verdict :- 4

Prso (On for Adam) :- Good to see the big man back and getting game time.
Rmed Verdict :- 4

Smith :- Is grinding out results and by good luck or good judgement it is putting us back in line for the champions league spot. Still has major rebuilding work to do come the summer.
Rmed Verdict : - 6


As it turned out, the weekend was a good one, results wise, in the SPL and now we turn to Hapoel. I have a good feeling about Thursday and am sure the stadium will be bouncing and that the players will respond to the atmosphere. And with AC getting a result on Tuesday it will make for a good weeks football!


WATP

Baz.

Hapoel Tel Aviv 2 vs. Rangers 1 Feb. 14 2007

NO HISTORY IN HAPOEL

This was a game that was built up to be a record breaking 13 game unbeaten run for Rangers against a side who were struggling for form in there current league. The spying missions had produced positive, confident verdicts that this was a team ripe for the taking and that a good result was on the cards.
All the build up made the match and the loss all the more frustrating. The tempo and possession for much of the game was dictated by the Gers and it took a stunning free kick and a stupid defensive error to see us lose two goals in a game that should have been at the least, a comfortable draw.
Walter surprised most people by dropping Adam, in the only change from the team that finished on Sunday, for Rae who was posted on the right wing. This saw Burke wide left and it looked for much of the game to be an inspired decision as Burke had a great time against his opposite number. Our big downfall, again, was the lack of quality ball into the box, which was highlighted, by the lack of efforts made at goal by our top marksman.
There is hard work now to be done next week, but they are beatable and at a packed Ibrox I still have every faith that progression is still on the cards.



Today’s team: -

McGregor: - Rarely called into action, and when he was it was unfortunately to pick the ball out of his own net. The first, especially, was just unstoppable.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Hutton: - Always looking to push forward and support or overlap down the right. Needs to be a bit more selective in his passing. Was also caught a couple of times in behind.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Svensson: - One minute he looks fine and throws in a crunching tackle, but the next a panic seems to set in and he looks distinctly uneasy. Still has a long way to go to prove his worth to the team.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Weir: - Won’t be happy about the way the second goal was conceded as for the majority of the game we were very comfortable. You wonder how we coped in defence without him. That’s right, we didn’t.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Murray: - Not his best night as, more than once, the ball was slipped in behind him and decent crosses resulted. One of which saw the ball in the back of our net. A must do better will appear on the report card.
Rmed Verdict: - 5

Rae: - Is not, and never will be a right-winger. Played with a good bit of heart but it was very obvious that he has had very little in the way of first team football. Surprise choice and I’ll be surprised if he plays in the next leg.
Rmed Verdict: - 5

Bazza: - Controlled, dictated and chased the game all night. He certainly didn’t deserve to be on the losing side and proved again that he has the drive and skill to be on the European stage.
Rmed Verdict: - 8

Hemdani: - Complimented Bazza very well and also controlled the tempo of the game. Hardly wasted a pass and sat well in front of the back four.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Burke: - Showed at the weekend that he had started to find glimpses of form and continued that tonight as he terrorised his opposite number all night. Great feet and trickery just lacked the final ball to have been outstanding.
Rmed Verdict: - 8 (MOTM hopefully he continues to find form.)

Novo: - Scored the crucial away goal after prematurely celebrating what he thought was a Bazza goal. Did little apart from that though and can certainly offer more.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Boyd: - Frustrating night for the big striker. Had very little in the way of chances to make any attempts with but has to learn to accept that in away European ties. Hopefully Ibrox becomes a better hunting ground.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Sionko (On for Novo): - Added very little to the cause.
Rmed Verdict: - 3

Adam (On for Burke): - Audacious attempt to chip the keeper from 40 yards but had little time to contribute anything else.
Rmed Verdict: - 4


Smith: - Sad night for him as he returned to the European stage. Lost his first game as Gers manager and also lost the chance at creating some history. All the more upsetting because I thought (apart from Rae) that he had his tactics spot on.
Rmed Verdict: - 7


There is a bit more pressure on us at Ibrox than we really wanted but this tie is not over by a long shot and they certainly don’t look like a great outfit. These games are played over two legs and next Thursday will give us the outcome, and I’m sure the right team will progress.



WATP

Baz.

Kilmarnock 1 vs. Rangers 3 - Feb. 11, 2007

HITTING THE SPOT


With two penalties and a good header, the Boyd hat trick did exactly that. The Referee played a big part in the overall game with some dubious, to say the least, decisions including the awards of three penalties and the chopping off of a perfectly good Ferguson goal.

The result was all-important though and gives us a bit of breathing space in the battle for second spot and the champions league money.

The game saw Kevin Thomson make his debut and a change in tactics for Walter that saw Bazza playing just off Boyd up front with Burke right and Adam left supporting the attackers. The change seemed to have worked as first Bazza sent Boyd through on goal which led to the first, ahem, stonewall, penalty then Bazza himself scored with a superbly worked free kick. Sadly, it was also a little too cunning for the linesman who wrongly adjudged it offside. The second always looked like coming and duly did with another Boyd header.

The second half was a bit more subdued and petered out after Boyd sealed the win with another well-taken penalty.

Overall we controlled the game and took a fairly easy three points from Rugby Park with the only blemish being the goal conceded that broke a good spell of shut outs.

Today’s team: -

McGregor: - Could have easily sat down with a mug of tea, what else, as the match passed him by. Called into action and duly produced as he saved the penalty only then to blot his copybook by flapping at the cross, which saw, them score.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Hutton: - One of his best performances of the season, especially in an attacking sense. Was up and down the line all game giving great support to Burke and even managed to throw in some very good crosses. One of which led to Boyd’s second goal. Dampened his performance though with a stupid rash moment that cost us a penalty.
Rmed Verdict: - 8

Weir: - Truly is a Mr Reliable as he cruised through another SPL game. Wednesday might throw up a new challenge for him though as we head into Europe.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Ehiogu: - This was my first viewing of him in a Gers shirt and I only got 26 minutes before he had to go off. He certainly has the physique for the centre backs job and I hope it isn’t too long before I get to see more of him.
Rmed Verdict: - 5

Murray: - Defensively he is extremely sound and his return to the team couldn’t have been timed better with the injury to Smith. Covered his centre backs at all times but could have got forward a bit more.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Burke: - Owes us a performance or two as he really hasn’t been at his best since returning from injury. Showed a bit more today but there is a lot more to come.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Hemdani: - Played his usual quietly effective spoiling game in the middle of the park. A lot of peoples tip to get dropped with the signing of Thomson but has done enough this season to merit his place.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Thomson: - Started with all the enthusiasm and gusto of a man wanting to make his mark and made some nice touches. A shame to not see him appear for the second half as the team looked stronger than it had for a while with him holding the middle of the park with Hemdani.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Adam: - One of his better displays and made some good passes and runs. His eyes must have lit up in the second half as he saw their keeper way out of his goal and fluffing the clearance right to him, unfortunately his excitement got the better of him and he missed the ball completely.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Bazza: - A lot of managers have asked him to play in an attacking role, but this was more advanced than ever. Sat in behind Boyd and asked to pull the strings from there. It worked well while it lasted and he was unlucky, for the second week in a row, not to have his name on the score sheet.
Rmed Verdict: - 8

Boyd: - What baffles me more than anything is how Le Geun contrived to keep this goal-scoring machine out of the starting line up. Took his penalties extremely well and his header was right into the side netting. Is it me or is he also smiling a bit more now that Walter and Ally have taken over?
Rmed Verdict: - 9 (MOTM and who else could it have been today!)

Svensson (On for Ehiogu): - Will be one of the few men happy to see Ugo going off. I don’t mind seeing him get a chance though but he really needs to learn how to clear a ball without slicing it!
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Novo (On for Thomson): - Must be devastated to once more find himself on the bench. Played well when he came on, driving at their defence and winning the second, ahem, stonewall, penalty.
Rmed Verdict: - 6


Smith: - Surprised a few with the selection and tactics but will be more than happy with the outcome. A couple of injury worries loom though as two substitutions seemed to be enforced on him.
Rmed Verdict: - 8


Another good win under our belts sets us in good stead for the European game but first and foremost comes making sure of second spot and the champions league. Other teams are still close on our heels but we now look like a team who are too strong for the contenders.



WATP

Baz.