Rangers 2 vs. 1 Hearts Apr 21st 2007

RAE OF LIGHT AFTER HEART ATTACK


It was a good three points which virtually secures our position in next years premier European competition and with Aberdeen only drawing, there are now twelve points to play for and a gap of ten. We may not be playing the best football but Walter has done his job and secured nine wins and two draws since taking part of the wreckage that was in January.
There were forced changes to the side through suspensions, but I don’t think there are too many Gers fans out there that would have predicted the side fielded today. Papac was deployed at left back for Murray, Ugo took his place back in central defence and Rae and Thomson were given the roles of wingers for the suspended Adam and Novo. Despite the odd look to the side though there was a toughness about it that took us through to victory.

Today’s team: -

McGregor: - I wasn’t 100% sure of his positioning for the goal but over and above that, he saw very little action for the rest of the match.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Hutton: - Another assured performance and one of the standouts of the day. His energy is exceptional as he bombed up and down the right side to give us as much width as possible. Great run and cross for Rae’s goal.
Rmed Verdict: - 8

Ehiogu: - Coped well enough with a physical Hearts attack and you know he’ll never shirk a challenge. Not overly exerted though as big parts of the game were in the Hearts half.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Weir: - Didn’t look at his solid best at the start of the game and will be wondering how the Hearts attack went from box to box without a challenge being made before slotting home the opener. Rediscovered his form as the game went on.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Papac: - Was showing signs of having a very good game before being crudely pole axed after a terrific header that nearly netted the equaliser. Good to here that he recovered ok.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Rae: - Was on the edge of the game, in more ways than one, after being deployed on the right wing. All changed though after he connected with Huttons cross to head home and finish a good move. The goal seemed to up his confidence as glimpses of the Rae of old surfaced. Too little too late though.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Hemdani: - What can I say, neat and tidy as always and never missed a pass. Will be annoyed that, as defensive midfield, he didn’t get any kind of challenge in as Hearts opened the scoring.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Bazza: - A fine midfield display and I wonder if there are many fitter players in the team. Covered acres of ground that a lot of his teammates wouldn’t bother with. Drove the team forward, especially in the second half, and finished all off with a belter of a goal.
Rmed Verdict: - 8

Thomson: - One things for sure, he definitely isn’t a left-winger. Spent a lot of the game drifting into a more central position and gave us very little in the way of crosses into the box.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Prso: - He’s had a season of bad injuries, he’s hanging his boots up at Rangers at the end of the campaign but that didn’t stop him being the most influential man on the park. His quality shone through as he powered his way through the Hearts back line and his 110% commitment to the jersey is an example to all that watch.
Rmed Verdict: - 9 (MOTM he’ll be sorely missed next season)

Boyd: - Often praised for his scoring and pilloried for his work rate. He turned the tables today as he never once looked like scoring, but put himself about the Hearts back line.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Murray (On for Papac): - Came on in bad circumstances but let no one down.
Rmed Verdict: - 5



The season is very nearly done now with another victory securing all that is left for us. After those points, I wonder if Walter will be inclined to throw a few youngsters out there who might just give us a bit more hope for the future. Whatever happens though we’ll be glad when this one ends as we look forward to better things to come…..


WATP

Baz.