Rangers 2 vs. FK Zeta 0 Jul. 31st 2007

BATTLE READY

With a long hard season on the immediate horizon, we know there will be times when we have to battle and grind, so if nothing else, tonight proved we have that strength and bite to tackle hard, break down teams and come up with the result. It may not be purist and it may not be pretty but to know that it is there is a big bonus.
Anyone who came in late, switched on there TV’s and checked out the 2-0 score line would automatically assume that it was a fairly easy stroll in the park tonight, but those of us that scrutinised every ball will know that it was, in fact, the complete opposite.
It was a huge relief to see Ibrox filling up again, after a long rather miserable summer, for her first competitive match. The music blared as the teams ran out and it was inevitably the same side taking the pitch that had done so in the last two friendlies and within 30 seconds of the first ball being kicked Boyd was smashing a shot of the post. Not long after another fizzed past the opposite post and I thought we were going to be in for a footballing treat but it wasn’t to be as they became more confident and we started to become tetchy and to add to the pressure we decided that playing with eleven men wasn’t fair and so had Alan Hutton sent for an early bath. So to walk off with two goals in the bag and a clean sheet before the return leg in Montenegro next Tuesday is one that will gladly be taken all round.


Today’s team: -

McGregor: - He now has a bit of competition for his jersey so won’t have been too pleased with himself to have come charging out to clear a ball that he just barley got to. Apart from that though he was solid and steady and seemed slightly more eager to get the ball away quickly and start moves than he did last season.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Hutton: - A good bet to lose the rag and didn’t let anyone down in that respect. Got booked for a clumsy challenge before continuing to charge down the resulting free kick from about two yards away. Not the brightest thing to do although I did feel the sending off was harsh.
Rmed Verdict: - 4

Cuellar: - The first of the new boys to be rated. He doesn’t half like a meaty challenge and is never scared to stick his head into the places that hurt. Looked the best of the back four tonight but earned himself a booking for a fairly blatant foul to stop an impending attack. I look forward to seeing more of him.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Weir: - Wasn’t overly comfortable with the pacey counter attacks of the Zeta forward line, but managed to keep a clean sheet and looks to have established a good communication level with his partner in a short space of time. Scored the goal of the season with a thundering left foot drive that managed to trickle over the line!
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Papac: - Decent defensive shift, but offers little to nothing in the attacking third of the pitch. Will need to step up a level to prevent Walter looking for alternatives.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

McCulloch: - Another new start. A very hard working display. Never once shirked his responsibility at the back while remaining an outlet and threat up front. Even showed versatility in switching flanks for the second half. Rounded it off with the second goal of the season with a crashing header that crept over into the goal!
Rmed Verdict: - 8 (MOTM Energy, drive and a goal to boot.)

Hemdani: - Played in flashes for me tonight. Had some good moments of reading play, holding possession and even breaking forward but his defensive game was rocky. He was caught on the wrong side of his man on several occasions and the pace from their midfield made him look on edge. Needs to find his match sharpness.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Bazza: - Came out with all guns blazing and looked like he was going to rule the game. I think he suits the four four two formation and didn’t seem as under pressure as he did when playing the supporting role. Faded after the initial spell until the sending off which seemed to spark him back to life.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Adam: - Found himself on the ball with great regularity in the first half but paid the price for his failure to use it to good enough effect. Trying too hard? Whatever, he was hooked for the second and replaced by Novo.
Rmed Verdict: - 4

JCD: - Nice touches with some powerful and direct running. He was in and out of the game and was starting to show frustration before taking the plaudits for Weir’s goal. Good on him too, it shows his determination to do well in Blue. We’ve still to see more of this guy.
Rmed Verdict: - 7

Boyd: - Could easily have had a hat trick tonight but the final shots just weren’t for going in. He did though look very sharp and caused there defence a lot of problems as he managed to get himself into the scoring positions. The predator just didn’t get his kill tonight.
Rmed Verdict: - 6

Novo (On for Adam): - Gave a bit more trickery and width to the play. His determination on the by-line allowed for the cross that ended up at Weir feet for the first.
Rmed Verdict: - 5

Broadfoot (On for Boyd): - Sent on to shore up the right back slot vacated by Hutton. Didn’t look out of place either.
Rmed Verdict: - 4

Sebo (On for JCD): - Given what will be a large number of cameo appearances for the last five minutes.
Rmed Verdict: - 3

Smith: - Got his Champions League campaign off to a winning start, but how pleased he will be is another question. A higher class of opponent waits when we see them off next week.
Rmed Verdict: - 7



It was great to have the feelings back, with the build up to the game, the anger at the Ref, at frustration at the passes and the elation of the goals. It may not have been the prettiest or the best display but The Rangers are back in action, and I for one am over the moon!!


WATP

Baz.