Rangers v St Mirren Match Report

November 16, 2008

FT - Rangers 2-1 St Mirren. It’s all over and if you’d said at half-time Walter Smith’s men would stumble over the finishing line, nobody would have believed you. Until St Mirren scored with 10 minutes left, the

 hosts were cruising but might have drawn this game in the end. As it is, they have three points in the bag and they’re deserved for the overall effort. 

90 mins - It’s a third booking and Somers is losing his grip on the game a little. Whittaker tries to go past Jack Ross and is obstructed but the caution is a bit harsh.

86 mins - McGinn makes the most of a Mendes challenge on him and throws himself to the ground. Referee David Somers gives a free kick, which Dargo bends around the wall only to see McGregor save. Mendes is booked and moments later Miller joins him on a yellow card.

85 mins - This isn’t the way the match should be finishing. Despite the glut of chances they’ve had, Gers are struggling to see the game out.

82 mins - Saints are chasing a leveller now and after Novo taps wide, Will Haining gets on the end of a right-wing corner but his header is always going far too high.

80 mins - GOAL! Back come the Buddies as Miranda makes it 2-1. Gers have been in a comfort zone for so long and should be out of sight by now but they’re sweating after this one. Dargo puts Miranda in on goal with a cute backheel and the Argentine full-back blasts across McGregor and inside the far post.

78 mins - Miller releases the overlapping Whittaker on the left and he intelligently picks out Davis, whose grasscutter rolls a foot wide of Howard’s left-and post.

77 mins - SUBSTITUTION: Adam’s day comes to an end and he is replaced by Nacho Novo as Rangers make their first change. Needless to say, the popular Spaniard’s introduction goes down rather well.

75 mins - St Mirren have their best chance of the match as Whittaker is caught out of position and a cross comes in for Wyness, who connects well and is inches from bringing the game back to life.

73 mins - It just doesn’t seem to be Miller’s day, even if he has been the best player on the park. Broadfoot crosses low from the right and the former Derby man gets there first but his shot smacks off the bar before the ball is cleared for a corner. Lee McCulloch heads it past when it comes in from Davis.

71 mins - Adam collects after Whittaker is stopped on the left and crosses for Boyd, whose header is a yard over the woodwork.

63 mins - More good football from Gers. This time Davis and Boyd play a pair of one-twos before the latter rifles at the target and Howard scrambles across his line to tip round the post.

62 mins - Great effort from Miller. He cuts in and drive at the upright with his left foot from the edge of the penalty area. Howard palms it away and when Boyd collects the reboud, he is curiously flagged offside.

57 mins - SUBSTITUTIONS: St Mirren boss Gus MacPherson decides to go for it and throws on two strikers. Craig Dargo and Dennis Wyness both enter the fray, with Billy Mehmet and Andy Dorman departing.

52 mins - We see two sides of Miller in a matter of seconds - first of all, he beats Howard to the ball and skips past him wide on the right but then moves towards goal and takes a touch too many. That allows a Saints defender to get back on the line and when Miller shoots, he blazes over when he should bury it.

48 mins - McGinn stabs the ball goalwards from 25 yards but McGregor holds it easily. Gers break forward in response and a lovely Miller ball puts Ferguson in. His first attempt is blocked and the second is tipped wide by Howard.

46 mins - Saints get the action underway once more and there are no further changes at this stage.

HT - Rangers 2-0 St Mirren. Gers have totally coasted the first 45 minutes and while they lead by two, it could easily be by more. Their goals were excellent and some of their one-touch football has been really good to watch.

45 mins - Some great play as the interval approaches. Miller and Mendes combine superbly on the right and Boyd heads over when the cross comes in from Broadfoot.

40 mins - SUBSTITUTION: Saints make the first change of the game as the injured Steven Robb comes off and Stephen McGinn - the matchwinner when these sides met last month - replaces him.

37 mins - Another nice move from Rangers. Firstly Adam dummies a cross-field pass to allow Whittaker space to collect it and when he crosses low, Miller steps over the ball and Boyd shoots wide.

35 mins - Mendes is okay and Ferguson rolls the set piece to Boyd but St Mirren’s wall seems to break early and the effort is blocked when it should perhaps have been retaken.

34 mins - Rangers win a free kick as Miller is pulled back by Brady but of more concern is the fact Mendes is lying in a heap in the middle of the pitch.

32 mins - It’s another opportunity for the home team but Boyd heads wide after good work by Davis, Barry Ferguson, Mendes and Adam.

23 mins - Gers look so dangerous every time they come forward. This time Mendes finds Adam but he leans back a little too much and his drive sails over the upright.

22 mins - Miller is really alert today and he plays a great one-two with Adam in the left channel before seeing his on-target shot blocked. Unlucky.

21 mins - Mendes splits the defence with his pass to Miller but instead of shooting, the forward checks back inside. He then sends the ball towards goal after finding nobody is upfield with him and his effort loops just over with the aid of a deflection.

20 mins - After an action-packed first 10 minutes of the match, the second 10 have been much quieter. Rangers going two goals ahead has killed the game as a contest for the time being at least.

9 mins - GOAL! Some lovely stuff from Rangers and they’re clearly getting the chances they missed on Wednesday at Motherwell out of their system here. Miller’s deft touch plays in Kirk Broadfoot on the right, he plays back inside and the striker feeds to Steven Davis who rifles home. It’s 2-0 and the Light Blues are cruising.

6 mins - A couple of chances for Saints as they try to hit back. Garry Brady tries his luck first but fires over then Franco Miranda heads just too high from a corner.

5 mins - Miller does really well to get ahead of his man in the box and although he has to take the ball away from goal, he crosses from the right and Pedro Mendes heads wide.

4 mins - GOAL! Guess who? That’s right, it’s that man Boyd who opens the scoring and it’s his 150th career goal at club level. He heads down to Miller, his strike partner touches it back to him and Boyd does the rest from 20 yards. It’s a low strike and Mark Howard has no chance.

1 min - Boyd lays off to Adam and straight away he is involved, having a go from 25 yards but fizzing the ball wide. He is off target but it was worth a go.

0 mins - Kris Boyd and Kenny Miller get the game underway. Walter Smith has made three changes for this game and two of them are notable - Lee McCulloch plays his first game for the club at centre-half in Madjid Bougherra’s place and Charlie Adam is on the left of midfield. It’s his first outing in six weeks.

RANGERS: McGregor; Broadfoot, Weir, McCulloch, Whittaker; Davis, Mendes, Ferguson, Adam; Miller, Boyd.

Subs: Alexander, Edu, Novo, Dailly, Lafferty, McMillan, Shinnie.

ST MIRREN: Smith; Ross, Haining, Potter, Miranda; Dorman, Murray, Brady, Mason, Robb; Mehmet.

Subs: Smith, Wyness, Dargo, Hamilton, McAulsand, McGinn, Cuthbert.

REF: David Somers.

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Motherwell 0 v 0 Rangers

November 13, 2008

 

FT: Motherwell 0 Rangers 0 - Rangers away form continues to let them down after tonight’sgoalless draw at Fir Park. Motherwell played well on the night but Walter Smith’s men will rue several missed chances, particularly in the first-half. Celtic now move four points clear at the top of the SPL.

90 min - Bougherra makes a last ditch run down the right channel and his cross is flicked on by Novo but Boyd can’t connect. The ball goes out for a goal kick.

88 min - Two minutes added on for injury time. Not looking good for Gers.

86 min - Graeme Smith shows a bit of nerves by running out of his area to boot the ball out of the stadium and waste time for his side.

85 min - Kenny Miller crosses into the 18-yard box but Novo’s header lacks conviction and is well wide of target. Time running out for both sides to get a winner.

80 min - A Hughes shot is deflected for a corner. Steven McGarry takes but Kenny Miller clears. Motherwell look most likely to score at this stage.

78 min - Rangers substitution - Steven Whittaker on for Sasa Papac.

78 min - Cross is swung in and Papac is takes a heavy knock to the head from Chris Porter. It looked accidental but the left-back is carried off on a stretcher.

77 min - Stephen Hughes swerves a fantastic right-foot shot from 25-yards into Allan McGregor’s top left corner but the keeper pulls off a wonder stop to deny the former Ibrox midfielder. 

74 min - Rangers’ substitution - Nacho Novo on for Kyle Lafferty. Gers in need of something special from their Spanish super-sub.

69 min - Kenny Miller does well to win a corner for his side. Ball is played short and Davis eventually crosses but again the ball is too near to Smith who catches it with ease.

68 min - Boyd puts the ball in the net after latching on to a long pass but is already ruled offside. Gers fans calling for Nacho Novo to be introduced to the play.

66 min - It’s not proving to be Lafferty’s night. Miller teed up the lanky Irishman with a clever in field pass but his shot from 18 yards is skewed wide of goal.

64 min - Rangers agin go on the attack but a long, high cross from Kirk Broadfoot gives Graeme Smith loads of time to pick the ball from the sky. More quality needed with the final pass.

61 min - Mendes shoots from 25 yards but his first real attempt on goal is too near Smith and he dives to his right to make a decent stop.

56 min - The home side have again started the second-half in a positive manner but Gers always look dangerous on the break.

55 min - Motherwell claim for a penalty after Sasa Papac miss hits a clearance and the ball looks to spin up and hit his hand. Ref waves away any pleas and rightly so. 

53 min - Back up the other end! Hughes finds Porter in the Gers 18-yard box and his turn and shot is brilliantly tipped over the bar by McGregor.

52 min - End to end stuff now. Steven Davis is released down the right wing and his low delivery across the face of goal is inches away from Boyd’s outstretched boot. Ball goes out for a goal kick.

51 min - Free-kick awarded to Motherwell 20 yards from Gers goal. Hammell takes and his low, dipping shot is well held by McGregor who dives to his left, 

50 min - Kyle Lafferty sprints 40 yards with the ball but his pass to Kris Boyd cannons off Barry Ferguson and Motherwell counter attack.

47 min - Yellow card. Bougherra is the first player in Steve Conroy’s book for a late tackle.  

45 min - Rangers start the second-half. No changes for either team.

HT: Motherwell 0 Rangers 0 - Mark McGhee’s men started the stronger of the two teams but Rangers had chances galore in the final 15 minutes. Miller, Boyd and Ferguson are all guilty of missing excellent chances and will wonder how they have not put their side at least a goal up. The game, however, remains in the balance.

45 min - Lafferty gives away a foul and Steven Hammell’s dangerous cross floats across Allan McGregor’s goal with no takers. Excellent delivery from the Well no. 3.

44 min - Davis again plays a long ball which Lafferty flicks on. Miller tries to lob Smith but his tame effort does not have the height or power to beat the keeper.

42 min - It’s all Rangers right now and the Motherwell defence is creaking. A long ball from Davis finds Boyd running through but he fails to control the ball and it slides through to Smith again. Another opportunity passes by for the visitors.

40 min - A long ball is flicked on by Boyd and Miller it around the static Bob Malcolm. The Gers’ no. 18 is wide of goal and his right foot effort is again brilliantly saved by Smith who is keeping his side in the game.

37 min - Chance for Barry Ferguson to open the scoring. Miller crosses the ball low from the left and it falls to Ferguson who sclaffs his first effort. The skipper gets a second bite at it but can’t toe poke it past the diving Graeme Smith from  eight yards. Frustration for Gers.

32 min - Steven Davis crosses from the right wing but Kyle Lafferty and Paul Quinn both miss the ball at the back post and it runs out for a throw-in.

31 min - Rangers concede a free-kick 20 yards from goal but Bob Malcolm’s effort hits the Gers wall and goes out for a corner. Ball is again cleared.

30 min - Davis crosses from the resulting corner and Boyd heads inches over Graeme Smith’s bar.

28 min - Best chance of the game fall to Rangers. Boyd finds his strike partner Kenny Miller in acres of space but the Scotland striker takes one too many touches and Motherwell eventually clear for a corner. Miller should have done better.

25 min - Madjid Bougherra tries to drag his side into the game with a surging run and cross but Smith dives on the ball before it can reach Kris Boyd. Excellent play nevertheless from the pacey Algerian.

23 min - Well’ right-back Paul Quinn pushes forward and has time and space to deliver a wicked cross which McGregor does well to hold under pressure. 

22 min - Bob Malcolm shows a bit of silky footwork to beat Kris Boyd, much to the delight of the vocal home support.

18 min - There’s a bit of nervousness from Rangers’ backline in the opening stages of the game. Ferguson and Mendes need to get the ball down and start dictating the play.

16 min - Mendes delivers a inswinging free-kick from the left wing but Smith jumps above Sasa Papac to claim the ball.

14 min - Scare for Gers. Keith Lasley evades the Gers defence and his low shot from inside the 18-yard box is only parried by McGregor. The ball is eventually cleared but it’s a real chance for the home side to take the lead.

11 min - Barry Ferguson looks to be brought down 25 yards from goal but referee Steve Conroy lets play continue and Kris Boyd produces a snap shot which Smith saves.

9 min - Steven Davis has space in the middle of the pitch but his clever through ball to the on-rushing Kenny Miller is intercepted by Bob Malcolm.

4 min - Marc Fitzpatrick crosses deep from the left wing and Sasa Papac has to be lively to head the ball away under pressure. Gers need to be tighter to the home side’s wide men.

2 min - Kyle Lafferty, who has started on the left side of midfield, tries his luck with a 20 yard shot which is easily gathered by Graeme Smith.

1 min - Early cross from Well’s Stephen Hughes is headed clear by David Weir.

0 min - Motherwell start the match from the kick-off. Perfect conditions at Fir Park this evening.

MOTHERWELL: G. Smith, Quinn, Hammell, Reynolds, Hughes, Malcolm, Porter, Sutton, Lasley, Fitzpatrick, McGarry.

Subs: Nielsen, D. Smith, Murphy, O’Brien, Meechan, McHugh, Page.

RANGERS: McGregor; Broadfoot, Weir, Bougherra, Papac; Davis, Ferguson, Mendes, Lafferty; Miller, Boyd.

Subs: Alexander, Edu, Novo, McCulloch, Whittaker, Loy, Shinnie.

Referee: Steve Conroy

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Killie 0 v 4 Gers

November 10, 2008

FT: Kilmarnock 0 Rangers 4 - A crushing second-half display has given Rangers three points at Rugby Park this afternoon. Goals from Weir, Boyd, Miller and Whittaker after the interval secured the win and no one can deny that the visitors thoroughly deserved it. The only negative from the 90 minutes was the injury to Kevin Thomson which saw the midfielder stretchered off.

Man of the Match: Kevin Thomson - Gave his all throughout this SPL clash before being stretchered off. Hopefully, it’s not as bad as it looked. 

89 min: GOAL! Kilmarnock 0 Rangers 4 - Steven Whittaker marks his return to the first-team with a terrific goal. Broadfoot’s cross from the right is deflected high in the air and Whittaker, who had made a near post run, stuck out his right foot and lobbed a beautiful lob over Combe from  the tightest of angles.

87 min: GOAL! Kilmarnock 0 Rangers 3 - Kenny Miller scores Rangers’ third goal with a close range header from a Davis cross which gave Combe no chance.

84 min: Rangers substitution: Steven Whittaker on for Kevin Thomson.

83 min: Bad news for Gers as Kevin Thomson is stretchered from the pitch after a challenge. More news on this soon.

80 min: Miller starts a swift counter attack but decides to play it to the overlapping Kirk Broadfoot. His pass is slightly to hard for the right-back who dives to the ground after Combe came from his goal line. Kirk is booked for simulation but is angered at the ref’s decision not to award a penalty. Again looked an awful decision from the official.

77 min: Ferguson finds Boyd 30 yards from goal and the striker flicks it cleverly past a defender before unleashing an ambitious low drive which Combe gathers.

76 min: Rangers need one more goal to kill off the home sides dwindling hopes of picking up a point from this game.

70 min: Killie trying desperately to get back in to the game but Rangers happy to retain possession and keep their two-goal advantage intact. Ferguson playing just in front of Thomson who has been excellent throughout with his crunching tackles and boundless energy.

67 min: Killie substitution: Conor Sammon on for Donovan Simmonds.

63 min: Rangers substitution: Barry Ferguson on for Pedro Mendes.

61 min: Killie substitution: Tim Clancy on for the injured Jamie Hamill.

53 min: GOAL! Kilmarnock 0 Rangers 2 - Boyd finally does what he does best! Miller finds his Gers’ teammate with a sublime pass from the right touchline and Boyd, without having to even check his run, bullets the ball low past the helpless Combe. Boyd’s 11th goal of the season and his third against Killie in 2008/09.

49 min: GOAL! Kilmarnock 0 Rangers 1 - Broadfoot wins a corner and Thomson crosses deep to Killie’s back post. Davie Weir is there and heads home from close range under pressure. Gers finally get some reward for all their attacking play.

48 min: Boyd flicks a header on to Kenny Miller who is bearing down on goal but Frazer Wright makes a brilliant last ditch tackle to deny the Scotland star. 

47 min: Early pressure from Gers. Miller darts towards the Killie defence and feeds the ball to Boyd in thge box. His first touch is poor and Killie clear.

46 min: Killie start the second half. One change for Gers with Kyle Lafferty on for Nacho Novo. 

HT: Kilmarnock 0 Rangers 0 - What a 45 minutes! Rangers have had a Boyd spot kick saved, hit the post and bar and should had another stonewall penalty. How the game is still goalless is remarkable but can the home side’s luck continue in the second-half? Rangers playing well but will be gutted not to have their noses in front at the interval.

42 min: Another big penalty claim for Gers! Boyd beats Killie’s poor attempt at an offside trap and when Combe saves his initial effort the striker looks to be clipped at the ankle by the keeper just as he was about to roll the ball home. It was a stone waller but the ref waved away any pleas.

40 min: Good play from Killie. After a good passing move the ball is played out wide to Hamill who produces a powerful cross which Allan McGregor can only palm away. Broadfoot eventually clears. 

35 min: More misfortune for Gers in front of goal. Broadfoot takes a throw-in to Mendes who dinks it on to Novo in the box. The Spaniard controls it on his chest before producing a stunning snap shot which hits the inside of Combe’s post before landing in the keeper’s arms.

32 min: Mendes feeds the resulting free-kick in to the path of Boyd who rockets a stunning shot off the Killie cross bar from 35 yards. So unlucky for the striker.

31 min: Booking: Craig Bryson picks up yellow card no 2 of the match for a foul on Thomson 35 yards from Combe’s goal. 

28 min: Boyd steps up but his effort is brilliant saved by Combe who had dived to his right to deny the Gers’ hitman.

27 min: Penalty for Gers! Grant Murray challenges Boyd in the box from behind and the ref immediately points to the spot.

24 min: Frustrating opening to the game from Gers who have failed to trouble Combe despite the home side’s defence looking shaky.

20 min: Match getting heated after a free-kick is awarded to Killie for another high challenge this time from Mendes. Bit of handbags follows before players are separated. 

17 min: Booking: Sasa Papac picks up a yellow card for a high footed challenge on a Killie defender. The Bosnian was simply trying to control the ball, ref Eddie Smith’s decision looked harsh.

14 min: Excellent chance for Killie. David Fernandez controls a long ball on the Gers 18-yard box with his back to goal. He plays it in to the path of the on-rushing Willie Gibson who skews his shot wide of target at McGregor’s near post.

12 min: Broadfoot finds space on the left wing but his disappointing cross finishes up behind Alan Combe’s goal to the amusement of the home support.

7 min: Bougherra fouls Killie no 34 Donovan Simmonds 40 yards from Rangers goal and does the same thing to Craig Bryson seconds later. The home side, however, fail to trouble McGregor from either set piece. 

3 min: Early chance for Gers to get the ball into Killie box. Thomson delivers a dangerous cross and when is ball is flicked on Bougherra is inches from connecting. Good opportunity for the big defender.

2 min: Windy conditions making life difficult for both teams in the early stages as is the slippery Rugby Park surface.

0 min: Kenny Miller and Kris Boyd get the action underway from the kick-off in this crucial SPL clash for Gers.

TEAMS

RANGERS: McGregor; Broadfoot, Bougherra, Weir, Papac; Davis, Mendes, Thomson, Novo; Boyd, Miller

Subs: Alexander, Lafferty, Loy, Aaron, Whittaker, Beasley, Ferguson

KILMARNOCK: Combe, Fowler, Wright, Bryson, Taouil, Murray, Gibson, Skelton, Fernandez, Hamill, Simmonds

Subs: Harpur, Hay, Corrigan, Clancy, Flannigan, Sammon, Cox

Referee: Eddie Smith

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Rangers v Inverness CT

November 2, 2008

FT: Rangers 5 v 0 Inverness
A successful afternoon for Walter Smith as he sees his side secure a comfortable three points and welcome their skipper back in to action.

89 min: Yellow Card - Inverness
Ross Tokely earns a yellow card for another foul on Beasley.

87 min: Beasley picks out Novo on the left but the Spaniard can’t move the ball on to the lurking Rory Loy.

85 min: Papac falls flat on his face on the half way line and Inverness almost catch Rangers on the break with McGregor happy to watch the ball sail wide of his post.

82 min: Davis has a go from distance and Munro blocks to force a corner, but Davis’ delivery is disappointing.

81 min: Another lull in the play from the home side as the match drifts towards its inevitable conclusion.

76 min: Loy sets Novo away with a lovely pass but Nacho can’t get the ball out from under his feet and when he slips he has to use Davis for assistance. The Northern Ireland man is tripped and Gers earn a free kick wide on the right. Beasley’s delivery is decent but Inverness do enough to clear.

75 min: Ferguson is in the thick of things again but this time he’s penalised for a foul in the middle of the park.

74 min: SUBSTITUTION - Rangers
Hat trick hero Boyd is replaced by DaMarcus Beasley.

73 min:  Loy almost sets up Novo for a second and when his shot ricochets to Papac, the Bosnian full back tries an ambitious effort from wide on the left.

71 min: Kirk Broadfoot delivers a fantastic cross from the right and Boyd has the ball in the net for the fourth time but his header is ruled out as he is adjudged to have pushed his marker. No real protest from the marksman.

67 min: Ferguson and Mendes regain the home team’s composure and the latter almost sets up Novo for another goal, but Fraser is off his line quickly to deny the little Spaniard.

64 min: Rangers have lost their way a little as they risk getting complacent on the back of such a comfortable scoreline.

62 min: Ian Black has a try from 25 yards out and McGregor does well to backtrack and tip it over the top for a corner. Sub Garry Wood fires an attempt over the bar from the resulting set piece.

60 min: Rangers are camped in the visitors’ half as they seek to add to their first half haul. It’s Kirk Broadfoot who has the next attempt as he fires a left foot effort high and wide.

58 min: Loy gets his first chance to run with the ball as Gers clear a corner but he is well blocked by left back Richard Hastings.

55 min: SUBSTITUTIONS - Rangers
Barry Ferguson makes a welcome return to the first team after missing the start of the season with an ankle injury. He replaces Kevin Thomson while Rory Loy makes his first team bow as a replacement for Kenny Miller.

53 min: Davis goes on a sprint down the right but is forced inside and can’t quite set up Boyd for another chance. 

48 min: Mendes produces another fine pass to set up Broadfoot wide on the right, his cross is aimed at Boyd, but Proctor intercepts and the Gers No.9 is flagged offside again.

46 min: Pedro Mendes gets penalised for a foul as Barry Ferguson is welcomed out for a warm up by the Ibrox crowd.

45 min: SUBSTITUTIONS - Inverness
Garry Wood and Jamie Duff replace Andrew Barrowman and Roy McBain for the second half.

45 min: Rangers get the games restarted. Unsurprisingly there are no changes for the home side while Craig Brewster makes two switches.

HT: Rangers 5 v 0 Inverness

45 min: GOAL - Rangers 5 v 0 Inverness
Kris Boyd might steal the headlines for his hat trick butKenny Miller grabs the goal of game so far when he volleys in Novo’s cross from the penalty spot. It’s the first of the month but there’s a good chance that strike will be featuring as November’s top goal.

42 min: Davis is the latest Ger to be caught offside as the home team continue the hunt for more goals.

40 min: Allan McGregor sees a rare bit of action in the first half as he comes off his line to punch clear from Tokely’s cross. 

38 min: Rangers produce a wonderful attack with Mendes picking out Boyd, who sweeps it across to his partner Miller, but the Scotland man’s shot is over the bar.

37 min: Davis then turns offender as he is pulled up for a high boot midway inside his own half. The visitor’s free kick comes to nothing though.

35 min: Yellow Card - Inverness
Russell Duncan’s is the first name to go in the referee’s book - for a trip on Steven Davis

32 min: Rangers are comfortable but Assistant Manager Ally McCoist is urging them on from the sidelines.

27 min: GOAL - Rangers 4 v 0 Inverness
Boyd completes a fourteen minute hat trick from the spot. That’s 10 for the season for the Gers No.9 who nows had 81 to his name in a Rangers shirt.

26 min: PENALTY - Rangers
Miller cuts back in the box and is felled by David Proctor. Ref Crawford Allan has no hesitation in pointing to the spot.

25 min: Broadfoot does well to win a 50-50 challenge after Davis’ pass is left short. The big full back crosses for Boyd, but he can’t get his shot away.

23 min: Mendes shows both sides of his game as he wins the ball back with a perfect tackle before curving a pass with the outside of his boot towards Boyd, but the striker is flagged for offside. It was a tight call.

22 min: Boyd is hunting his hat trick but he’s caught offside on the edge of Caley’s box. Inverness take the set piece quickly and break to earn a corner.

18 min: GOAL - Rangers 3 v 0 Inverness
They hadn’t managed a single goal in the opening 20 minutes of a match before today, but Walter Smith’s team now find themselves 3-0 up as Kris Boyd slots home his second by latching on to Pedro Mendes’ pass after the Portuguese robs Cowie in the middle of the park

17 min: Miller does well to collect in the centre circle but his attempted pass is too long for Davis.

15 min: Rangers’ attacks are unrelenting as Novo breaks on the left again, skips away from two defenders and drills a shot against Munro to earn another corner.

13 min: GOAL - Rangers 2 v 0 Inverness
Kenny Miller beats the offside trap and draws Fraser from his line before rolling the ball in to the path of Kris Boyd who has the easiest of finishes.

9 min: Kevin Thomson is penalised for a foul on Don Cowie on the half way line and play is held up as the Inverness man receives treatment after a sturdy challenge.

7 min: That’s the first time Walter Smith’s side have found the net in the opening 20 minutes of a game this season and it’s given them a lift as they go chasing a second straight away.

6 min: GOAL - Rangers 1 v 0 Inverness
Kris Boyd wins a foul when he is barged from behind by Tokely as they challenge for a long ball. Davis touches the ball to Boyd from the set piece and his vicious effort is spilled by Michael Fraser aloowingNacho Novo to scramble it over the line.

3 min: Thomson’s corner comes to nothing as Bougherra challenges but is beaten to the floated delivery and the vistors clear.

2 min: Davis bursts in to the Inverness box and Russell Duncan does well to clear the danger. Bougherra then picks out Broadfoot with a fine pass and the defender earns Gers their first corner of the game.

1 min: The visitors win an early free kick and Black has a try at goal that McGregor gathers comfortably.

0 min: Inverness get the game under way.

TEAMS
Rangers: McGregor; Broadfoot, Bougherra, Weir, Papac; Davis, Mendes, Thomson, Novo; Boyd, Miller.
Subs: Alexander, Edu, Ferguson, Beasley, Lafferty, Loy, McMillan.

Inverness: Fraser, Tokely, Proctor, McBain, Black, Barrowman, Imrie, Duncan, Munro, Cowie, Hastings.
Subs: Esson, Djebi-Zadi, Wilson, Rooney, Wood, Duff, Vigurs.

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Hamilton 1 v 3 Rangers

October 26, 2008

 

FT: Hamilton 1 v 3 Rangers

89 min: Lafferty battles of possession as the fourth official indicates an extra two minutes to be played.

87 min: Davis is still full of industry and looking to find Boyd at every opportunity as the forward chases a hat trick.

82 min: SUBSTITUTION - Hamilton
Richard Offiong replaces Simon Mensing

82 min: SUBSTITUTION - Rangers
Kyle Lafferty replaces Kenny Miller

79 min: GOAL - Hamilton 1 v 3 Rangers
Nacho Novo makes the most of Canning’s mistake to stride through on goal and slot home a third that should seal three points for his side.

75 min: Boyd knocks the ball down just inside the area and Davis prods a shot goalward but he can’t find the net.

73 min: SUBSTITUTION - Rangers
Nacho Novo replaces DaMarcus Beasley.

73 min: Boyd comes close to a hat trick as he curls an effort just wide from 20 yards.

72 min: Beasley is found again, this time by Boyd on the left but he can’t break free of the Hamilton back line as Rangers look to counter.

70 min: A lovely pass by Mendes gives Beasley plenty of room in the middle of the park but the American’s pass wide to Davis is wayward and Hamilton have a throw in.

66 min: SUBSTITUTIONS - Hamilton
Mark Corcoran and David Graham replace James Gibson and Lucas Akins.

65 min: Hamilton have dropped the tempo considerably in the second half and Rangers are benefitting with Mendes and Davis enjoying more time on the ball.

61 min: Miller delivers another teasing cross but again it’s out of reach of the advancing Boyd and Beasley.

60 min:  A misunderstaning between Bougherra and Broadfoot sees the Algerian allow the ball to run out for a corner. He’ll be relieved to see it well cleared.

58 min: Boyd performs defensive duties in his own box as he his in place to head clear a dangerous looking corner.

55 min: Miller’s endeavour wins him some space on the right and he fizzes the ball across the face of the goal. It’s just out of reach of Boyd but the two goal striker applauds the intent.

53 min: Davis tries to release Boyd for the chance of a hat trick but the striker looks to return it to Davis and the midfielder is crowded out.

49 min - GOAL: Hamilton 1 v 2 Rangers
Beasley does well to intercept deep in his own half and start a counter attack that ends withKris Boyd nodding in Steven Davis’ pin point cross.

46 min: Rangers get the second half started with no changes for either side.

HT: Hamilton 1 v 1 Rangers
The weather has played havoc with the quality of football on display but Rangers will be happy to have drawn level before the interval.

44 min: Pedro Mendes breaks free on the left side of the box but his attempt at a cross curls behind for a goal kick.

40 min - GOAL: Hamilton 1 v 1 Rangers
Boyd converts from the spot.

40 min: PENALTY - Rangers
Miller is fouled in the box by McLenahan as he goes for Broadfoot’s cross.

37 min: Miller wins a free kick on the right and Thomson takes it quickly to pick out Davis, but the Northern Ireland star’s floated effort drifts past the post.

33 min: Mendes tries to pick out Boyd but his long ball is carried through to Cerny by the wind.

30 min: Buoyed by the goal, Hamilton are enjoying a sustained period of possession and an animating Ally McCoist is trying to rally his side from the touchline.

25 min - GOAL: Hamilton 1 v 0 Rangers
Gers are safe for just two minutes as Mensing takes a free kick from the same side andBrian Easton puts Hamilton one up.

23 min: Hamilton force their first corner as Broadfoot clears a cross and the home side threaten to open the scoring from the set piece as the crossbar saves Gers.

20 min: Canning fouls Boyd again and Davis swings a free kick in that looks like it has earned a corner before the wind carries it out for a throw.

18 min: Weather conditions are not making it easy for either team and the game has yet to see its first real chance.

15 min: Boyd and Miller combine well and the former wins a free kick on the edge of the box as he is fouled by Canning. He takes the kick himself but drags it wide of the post.

12 min: Again Miller is heavily involved as he swings in a cross looking for his striker partner Boyd, forcing Hamilton to concede another corner.

10 min: Miller is caught offside as he tries to latch on to Davis’ pass. A tight call and Miller isn’t impressed.

9 min: Miller releases Broadfoot on the right and the big full back wins a free kick when Brian Easton barges him off the ball. Thomson swings in the set piece and it flies just wide of the far post.

7 min: Gers win their first corner but as the ball is floated in Boyd is penalised for a push in the box.

6 min: Miller chases down another long ball but Tomas Cerny gets there just ahead of him and manages to hang on to the ball at the edge of his box.

4 min: Beasley wins a free kick on the left as he is pushed off the ball by Alex Neil. Boyd wins a knockdown in the box from the resulting set piece but there’s no one there to pick up on it.

2 min: Miller chases a ball down the left but it skids off the slippery surface and out for a throw.

0 min: Hamilton get the game underway in strong winds and driving rain.

TEAMS
RANGERS: McGregor; Broadfoot, Bougherra, Weir, Papac; Davis, Mendes, Thomson, Beasley; Miller, Boyd.
SUBS: Alexander, Dailly, McMillan, Loy, Darcheville, Lafferty, Novo.

HAMILTON: Cerny, Mensing, Easton, McCarthy, Swailes, Canning, McClenahan, McArthur, Akins, Neil, Gibson.
SUBS: Murdoch, Elebert, Casement, Ettien, Corcoran, Offiong, Graham.

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St Mirren 1 - 0 Rangers

October 5, 2008

FT: St. Mirren 1 Rangers 0 - Rangers suffer their first defeat of the season and their first to St. Mirren in 22 years. Stephen McGinn’s strike on 76 minutes secures three points for the Buddies who were rarely in the Gers half in the second period. Walter Smith’s men had four efforts cleared off the line in the latter stages of the game which underlines how frustrating a day this was for the Light Blues. 

92 min - Broadfoot drives into the box and appears to be brought down. Ref lets play continue and Lafferty is booked for dissent.

92 min - Adam crosses from a corner and Broadfoot’s header is cleared by one of five defenders on the goal line. It’s been one of those days!

89 min - Fourth official indicates three minutes of additional time.

88 min - Great chance for Gers. Adam curls a corner into the danger area and Boyd’s header is cleared off the line. David and Lafferty then try to force the ball home but there is too many bodies on the line and the ball is somehow cleared to safety,

87 min - Papac crosses from the left and Boyd’s header hits the post with Howard well beaten.

86 min - St. Mirren substitution - Hugh Murray on for Gary Brady.

84 min - Brady booked for foul on Mendes.

83 min - Davis finds space 25 yards from goal but his shot is miles over Howard’s bar. Just not happened for Gers today.

77 min - McGinn is booked for a late foul on Papac in front of the Saints’ dug-out.

76 min - GOAL! St. MIrren 1 Rangers 0 - Stephen McGinn picks up the ball from 25 yards and swerves a curling shot beyond Allan McGregor who was helpless. Stunning goal but Gers need something special now.

75 min - Broadfoot crosses deep but Boyd’s header from 12 yards is straight at Howard.

71 min - Double St. Mirren substitution - Craig Dargo on for Andy Dorman and Stephen McGinn replaces Dennis Wyness.

67 min - Davis takes a corner kick but plays it out to Mendes 30 yards out. The midfielder’s shot lacks the power he generated at Parkhead and trundles past Howard’s goal.

66 min - Rangers substitution - Kris Boyd on for Darcheville.

65 min - Darcheville wins a corner and Adam swings it deep. Weir attempts to head the ball back across but it hits a defender and goes out for another corner.

60 min - Mendes and Davis link up before the latter plays an inch perfect pass through to Darcheville who scuffs his effort. 

58 min - Rangers substitution - Kyle Lafferty on for Thomson.

57 min - Thomson and Brady go for a 50/50 in the centre circle and the Gers’ man comes off worse. Treatment is required and physio Pip Yeates signals to the bench for a substitution. Thommo is carried off by Mendes and Adam.

53 min - Adam pass to Darcheville on the half way line and the striker drives at the Saints defence before hitting a powerful right-foot shot from long range which the keeper does well to hold.

51 min - Broadfoot plays the ball into the 18 yard box and when it falls to Miller his shot is deflected over. Davis’ corner is disappointing.

48 min - Darcheville wins a corner. Adam sings in a great cross but Bougherra heads over from six yards. Great chance for Gers.

45 min - Rangers start the second half. No changes made to either team although Kris Boyd and Kyle Lafferty are immediately told to warm-up in front of the away support.

HT: St. Mirren 0 Rangers 0 - Frustrating opening 45 minutes for Gers who have enjoyed a lot of possession but not created enough chances in the last third. Gus McPherson’s 3-5-2 formation is working so far with very little space in midfield for creative players such as Mendes and Davis to show their flair.

44 min - Darcheville shot deflected wide for a corner. Davis takes and Adam’s near post flick is wide. Ref surprisingly awards a corner but evens things out by awarding a free-kick in Saints favour from the next cross.

39 min - Thomson plays a one-two with Charlie Adam 30 yards from goal. He then beats side steps a Saints defender before blasting a shot which Howard tips over his bar. Good play from Thommo.

35 min - Referee has a word in Charlie Adam’s ear after his late tackle leaves Andy Dorman sprawled on the Love Street turf. No card is shown. 

29 min - Wyness wins a corner for Saints but Bougherra clears the cross to safety with a powerful header.

26 min - Brady attempts to play the ball to Andy Dorman but Thomson intercepts and fires a powerful shot which Howard can only palm away.

25 min - Adam hauled to the ground by John Potter 25 yards from the Saints goal but referee William Collum waves play to continue. Shocking decision from the official.

20 min - Neither keeper has been truly tested at this stage of the game, bit of quality required. 

19 min - Great cross from Robb is cleared by Papac and Gers counter attack. Davis plays a perfect pass to Darcheville on the right wing but his dangerous cross is headed behind Howard’s goal by Haining.

15 min - Miller does brilliantly to wriggle out of a tight position at the Saints corner flag by dancing past Haining and Robb. His cross is equally good but their are no takers in the box. Great play from Kenny.

13 min - Corner to Gers. Adam takes and when it is headed clear Mendes unleashes a powerful low drive from 25 yards which is blocked. 

11 min - Miller plays a neat pass to Darcheville but the Frenchman is brilliantly tackled by Will Haining just as he was about to shoot.

9 min - Steven Robb plays a free-kick into the Gers- 18-yard box. The ball fall to Steven Robb but his shot hits the side netting. Allan McGregor had it covered.

8 min - Early booking for Pedro Mendes after he fouls Dennis Wyness and halts a dangerous Saints attack.

5 min - Darcheville spins his marker before darting down the left flank. He cuts inside but his pass to Kenny Miller has too much power and runs through to Mark Howard.

2 min - Jack Ross finds space on the right after a bit of slackness from Bougherra and delivers a decent cross into the box. Danger is cleared by Davis. 

0 min - St. Mirren get today’s match underway from the kick-off.

RANGERS: McGregor; Broadfoot, Bougherra, Weir, Papac; Davis, Thomson (Lafferty 58), Mendes, Adam; Darcheville (Boyd 66), Miller

Subs: Alexander, Beasley, Dailly, Aaron, Loy

ST. MIRREN: Howard; Haining, Potter, Cuthbert; Ross, Dorman (Dargo 71), Mason, Robb, Brady; Mehmet, Wyness (McGinn 71)

Subs: Smith, Murray, Brighton, Hamilton, McAusland

Referee: William Collum

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FT : Hibs 0 - 3 Rangers

September 28, 2008

 A fantastic away day for Rangers who dominated this match from start to finish. Two excellent finishes from Kenny Miller got Walter Smith’s team gave Walter Smith’s side a half-

 time lead and again they were hugely impressive in the second period.

Bougherra secured three crucial points when he netted a third on 73 minutes in this one-sided capital clash.

Man of the Match: Kenny Miller - Worked tirelessly throughout and both goals underlined his quality.

90 min - Two additional minutes announced.

89 min - Miller misses a great chance to net a hat-trick. Broadfoot finds the striker through on goal but his right foot shot across Ma-Kalambay is inches wide.

88 min - Hibs substitution - John Rankin on for Derek Riordan.

87 min - Rangers substitution - Kyle Lafferty on for Charlie Adam who put in a good shift on his return to the team.

85 min - Nacho Novo shows great determination to win a corner but Gers can’t add to their goal tally on this occasion.

77 min - Papac is floored by a late challenge from Hibs substitute Steve Pinau. Bosnian looks in trouble as he hobbles from the pitch but makes a return after treatment. 

73 min - GOAL! Hibs 0 Rangers 3 - Thomson swings in a dangerous near-post cross from a free-kick and Bougherra is there to fire the ball home for his first goal in a Light Blue jersey.

72 min - Papac wins a free-kick on the left and Thomson takes.

70 min - Rangers substitution - Nacho Novo on for Darcheville.

68 min - Broadfoot wins another corner. Adam takes low and almost catches Ma-Kalambay sleeping at his near post. Cheeky effort from the Gers’ no. 11 and his second delivery is cleared.

62 min - Murray fouls Kevin Thomson 25 yards from goal and Adam stands over the ball. The midfielder’s swerving effort back across goal goes wide. 

59 min - Hibs substitution - Steve Pinau on for Joe Keenan.

57 min - Sitter missed by Darcheville. Miller plays a inch-perfect pass through to his on-rushing teammate who skews his effort wide of goal with only the keeper to beat. Been a disappointing day for the Frenchman.

53 min - Joe Keenan swerves a left-foot shot towards goal but Neil Alexander is there to make a superb diving stop.

47 min - Darcheville wins a corner for Gers but Jones again uses his aerial advantage to clear.

46 min - Rangers get the second-half started from the kick-off.

HT: Hibs 0 Rangers 2 - Two well-taken goals from Kenny Miller have given Rangers a deserved lead at the interval but the home side have shown on a couple of occasions that they are more than capable of scoring themselves. A very good half nevertheless from Walter Smith’s men who will be looking to turn on the style and grab a third goal which could kill the game.

40 min - Darcheville and Jones are both booked after an altercation on the half-way line. The players are quickly pulled apart and the action continues.

39 min - GOAL! Hibs 0 Rangers 2 - Brilliant from Miller again. Mendes and Broadfoot combine before the latter back heels it to Miller who is 25 yards from goal. The striker looks up before swerving a delighful effort into the opposite corner of the net with his left foot. Class from the Scotland ace. 

35 min - Fletcher wins another corner for his team. Riordan takes and the ball is cleared but Joe Keenan launches it forward again. The ball looks to be going out for a goal kick but Riordan again crosses and Murray smashes it off the post from close range.

30 min - GOAL! Hibs 0 Rangers 1 - Only 30 seconds after clearing the ball off their own goal line Rangers produce a fantastic counter attack which results in Broadfoot crossing low from the right. Miller finds acres of space and glances a delightful header beyond the helpless Ma-Kalambay. Terrific goal full credit to Kenny for a brilliant finish.

29 min - Fletcher wins a corner for Hibs. Riordan crosses and Adam has to clear a Bamba header off the goalline.

27 min - Broadfoot booked by referee Callum Murray for a late foul.

25 min - Broadfoot crosses into the box and Jones heads clear for a corner. Davis takes but the giant no. 5 is there again to meet the ball.

20 min - Darcheville uses his strength to hold off Rob Jones but his ambitious shot from 25 yards is high and wide of target.

18 min - Darcheville brought down by Chris Hogg but Charlie Adam blasts a long-range free-kick into the Famous Five Stand. Poor attempt.

13 min - Excellent chance for Hibs. Riordan feeds the ball through to Shiels who is one-on-one with Alexander but the keeper makes a fine stop. Scare for Gers against the run of play.

12 min - Charlie Adam is given a bit of space 25 yards from goal. His effort is powerful but fails to trouble Ma-Kalambay.

10 min - Positive start from Walter Smith’s men who should be looking to make the most of their early possession and Hibs’ slackness at the back.

6 min - Suicidal defending from Hibs almost gifts Gers a goal. A poor clearance lands at the feet of Darcheville. He plays it on to Miller and the striker’s low shot from 20 yards narrowly misses the target.

2 min - Good early move from Gers. Miller shows great pace down the left and crosses low into the box. Ma-Kalambay spills and Adam looks certain to score until former Ger Ian Murray produces a saving tackle.

0 min - Steven Fletcher and Derek Riordan get the action underway at Easter Road.

HIBERNIAN: Ma-Kalambay, van Zanten, Jones, Hogg, Stevenson, Keenan, Bamba, Shiels, Murray, Fletcher, Riordan.

Subs: McNeil, Yantorno, Thicot, Rankin, Hanlon, Chisholm, Pinau.

RANGERS: Alexander; Broadfoot, Bougherra, Weir, Papac; Davis, Mendes, Thomson, Adam; Miller, Darcheville.

Subs: McGregor, Boyd, Dailly, Novo, Lafferty, Aaron, McMillan.

Referee: Callum Murray.

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Hibernian v Rangers (Sun)

September 26, 2008

Venue: Easter Road Date: Sunday, 28 September Kick-off: 1400 BSTCoverage: BBC Radio Scotland & BBC Sport website. Highlights on Monday’s Sportscene, BBC One Scotland @ 2235 BST

Hibs v Rangers

Hibernian’s Colin Nish faces a late fitness test on an ankle knock, but fellow striker Steven Fletcher has recovered from his bout of flu.

Sol Bamba is free from suspension and Steven Thicot came through a midweek reserve outing, but winger Alan O’Brien is sidelined after knee surgery.

Rangers add Andrius Velicka and Lee McCulloch to their squad.

Velicka has recovered from a bug while McCulloch has returned to training following a knee injury.

Match Odds :  Hibernian 4/1    Draw 5/2    Rangers 8/11

 

Hibernian: (from) Ma-Kalambay, Van Zanten, Hogg, Jones, Stevenson, Keenan, Murray, Rankin, Nish, Fletcher, Riordan, Shiels, McNeil, Pinau, Hanlon, Chisholm, Bamba, Yantorno.

 

 

 

 

Rangers: (from) Alexander, Broadfoot, Bougherra, Weir, Dailly, Davis, Mendes, Thomson, Beasley, Novo, Boyd, Miller, McGregor, Edu, Velicka, Aaron, McCulloch, Fleck, Papac.

 

CLUB FORM

Last season: Rangers 0-1 Hibernian, Hibernian 1-2 Rangers, Rangers 2-1 Hibernian, Hibernian 0-0 Rangers

HIBERNIAN

Last five league matches: W D L W W

Top scorers: Colin Nish - 3
 

 

RANGERS

Last five league matches: W D W W W

Top scorers: Kris Boyd - 3

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FT - Partick Thistle 1-2 Rangers

September 25, 2008

 

FT:It’s all over and that was a tough shift for Rangers. Ian McCall’s Jags pushed them all the way and if they keep playing like that, we might see them in the top flight next season. Mendes’ goal is enough for the Light Blues to sneak through.

119 mins - Davis tries to clinch it after a good run on the left takes Lafferty past two men. His effort keeps rising into the seats behind the goal but it was worth a go.

115 mins - GOAL! Mendes looks to have put Rangers through. Beasley slips it into him ahead of a home defender and the former Portsmouth star curls in with the outside of his right boot. He runs to the fans to celebrate and is duly booked.

114 mins - Beasley collects really well and races forward. With the home defence backtracking, he threads to Boyd but he lifts the ball too high.

113 mins - Rangers are applying pressure again but so far it isn’t paying off. Thomson is lucky not to see red with a late lunge - one more dodgy tackle and he might be off.

110 mins - On comes Lafferty, a doubt before the game with a gum infection, and he’ll be looking for his second Light Blues goal to send him team into the last eight as he replaces Novo.

109 mins - Maxwell takes a long throw for Partick and Kevin McKinlay hooks it towards goal. With Alexander and Papac chasing it, the ball thankfully goes past. Kyle Lafferty is preparing to come on for Rangers.

105 mins - The teams swap sides and we are still no closer to knowing who will go into tomorrow’s fourth round draw at Hampden.

103 mins - Novo crosses low into the box and Robertson beats Tuffey to it, poking the ball high into the net and over the bar for a corner that Rangers do little with.

98 mins - Thomson joins the home defender in the book for a tug of the shirt.

96 mins - Simon Storey hauls down Beasley on the left and receives the first yellow card of the evening from referee Steve Conroy.

94 mins - Beasley hits the touchline but his cutback is far too strong and it soars well over his team-mates heads. He should have done better there.

91 mins - Play starts once more and Partick throw on their second sub, with Damon Gray coming on for scorer McKeown. Straight away Boyd races clear Maxwell does enough to make him shoot past the post.

FT - Novo is in on goal but his shot flies over and then Bougherra heads too high. Novo forces a corner as the final whistle looms and when it comes in, Boyd is blocked on the line. It’s extra-time folks.

86 mins - Thistle almost win it and it’s a good double save by Alexander. First he stops David Rowson when he’s clean through on goal then deflects Turner’s drive away at the rebound.

81 mins - A terrible mistake by Turner gives Rangers a chance. The midfielder’s pass goes striaght to Novo and forces yet another corner but once more it is wasted by the SPL leaders.

78 mins - Novo and Mendes work a neat one-two that almost puts the little forward in. Twaddle intercepts to mop up the danger.

71 mins - Turner almost makes an immediate impact as he just fails to connect with Marc Twaddle’s cross from the left. Once the ball runs out of play, DaMarcus Beasley replaces Darcheville.

70 mins - It’s the first substitution of the night with Chris Turner, who was on trial at Murray Park just last month, coming on for Mark Roberts.

65 mins - Good work by Bougherra. After picking up the ball just inside the Thistle half, he bursts forward and wins a corner. When it comes in, the ball falls to Davie Weir at the back post but his shot goes back across goal and Partick clear their lines.

62 mins - Gers are starting to have the upper hand again. First Novo has a shot blocked and then Papac rolls across the 18-yard line to Mendes, who drives just over the upright.

58 mins - Darcheville forces a corner as Rangers try to turn the screw. Davis takes it, Boyd heads goalwards and Robertson nods away for another corner which is cleared.

52 mins - Some scary stuff from Broadfoot but it’s effective. A dangerous low cross comes into the box and the defender controls, takes the ball towards his own goal then scrambles clear with his third touch. Thistle are the side on top just now.

49 mins - Davis plays Boyd in with a precise pass and the striker shoots but John Robertson blocks him and the ball spins away for a corner which comes to nothing.

46 mins - Rangers get the game underway again and after being pegged back, they’ll be eager to edge ahead once more. No changes by either side at the break.

HT - Partick Thistle 1-1 Rangers. It’s all-square at the midway point - Gers were worthy leaders when they went in front but Partick have done well and probably deserve a share of the spoils at the break.

44 mins - With the interval approaching, Rangers try to take the initiative and Novo cuts in from the left before unleashing a fierce effort that Tuffey beats away.

40 mins - Back come the SPL side and as Darcheville bursts into the box and slips the ball to Novo, he looks certain to score. It’s a poor finish, however, as the Spaniard lifts over the upright from 12 yards.

39 mins - The goal seems to have roused Partick who, backed by their boistrous support, are making Gers a little uneasy.

33 mins - GOAL! Thistle are level and it’s their leading scorer Steven McKeown who gets the goal. He strikes low across Alexander and in at the far post from the right.

30 mins - Back come Rangers and after Broadfoot wins a corner with some fancy footwork, a Mendes rocket cannons off a Thistle defender and away when it looked to be going in.

26 mins - Steven McKeown tries to get the Jags back into with a fierce drive but Neil Alexander is equal to it as he tips over.

24 mins - GOAL! What a strike from Boyd!  Davis flights a deep ball in from central midfield and from a tight angle on the left, the former Kilmarnock striker shows great technique to volley beyodn Tuffey into the far corner. It’s now 1-0 Rangers and Walter Smith’s men deserve to be in front.

22 mins - Good movement coming forward by Gers involving Davis, Mendes and Kirk Broadfoot ends with a poor outcome as Thomson scuffs a half-volley into the ground and past the post.

18 mins - Novo latches on to a long ball upfield but just when he does the hard part, he cuts back for Boyd when he should really have a go himself from the left channel.

12 mins - Kevin Thomson does really well to win the ball in midfield and threads a great pass through to Jean-Claude Darcheville but the Frenchman fails to pull the trigger when he really should.

9 mins - Pedro Mendes falls under a heavy challenge from Ian Maxwell but it goes unpunished and the Portuguese midfielder eventually picks himself up.

8 mins - Davis sends a good corner in from the right and Madjid Bougherra sends a flashing header two yards over the crossbar. Good chance for the visitors.

7 mins - Kris Boyd is on goal but looks offside. Linesman Brian McGarry doesn’t flag and the Rangers hitman surges clear but his low shot is tame and straight at Tuffey.

4 mins - Rangers respond well and move upfield through Sasa Papac. He sets up Nacho Novo who lays off to Steven Davis and the new father shoots just wide. Seconds later, Novo hits the target but sees his shot held by Jonny Tuffey.

3 mins - It’s a full-bloodied start from Thistle, who create the first chance of the 90 minutes. David Rowson sends a 25-yard drive wide after Gary Harkins sets up Simon Donnelly and he miskicks the ball.

0 min - After the sides swap ends, it is Partick who kick off through Simon Donnelly and Mark Roberts. There aren’t many empty seats here at Firhill and with a great atmosphere, it looks as though it’s going to be a cracking game.

RANGERS: Alexander; Broadfoot, Bougherra, Weir, Papac; Davis, Mendes, Thomson, Novo; Boyd, Darcheville.

Subs: McGregor, Beasley, Edu, Dailly, Lafferty.

PARTICK: Tuffey, Storey, Twaddle, Robertson, McKinlay, Maxwell, McKeown, Rowson, Donnelly, Roberts, Harkins.

Subs: Hinchcliffe, Kinniburgh, Chaplain, Gray, Turner.

Referee: Steve Conroy.

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Rangers 2 v Motherwell 1

September 21, 2008

Two second-half goals from Davis and Miller give Rangers three crucial points but it was a tense afternoon at Ibrox with Motherwell showing a lot of fight after half-time. Nevertheless a good win for Walter Smith’s men who continue their impressive start to the SPL season. 

Man of the Match: Steven Davis - Midfielder has so much energy and took his goal brilliantly. Closely followed by Kenny Miller who worked tirelessly throughout the 90 minutes.

90 min - Two additional minutes announced by the fourth official. 

87 min - Rangers 2 Motherwell 1 - Nervy ending for Gers as David Clarkson hits the net from close range.

86 min - Great chance for Miller. Boyd finds his partner with a terrific through pass but his shot goes wide. Should have done better.

85 min - End to end stuff. Chris Porter hits the post with a sclaffed effort and Gers counter attack quickly. Miller finds Mendes in space on the right wing and his delighful cross finds Boyd but his header is straight at Smith.

75 min - Rangers 2 Motherwell 0 - Novo makes an immediate impact. Miller delivers a dangerous cross into the six-yard box which Graeme Smith can only palm away and the Spaniard, as usual, is there to bundle the ball home.

71 min - Rangers substitution  - Nacho Novo replaces DaMarcus Beasley. Quiet afternoon for the American.

68 min - David Clarkson cuts in from the left wing and tries to find the Gers back post with a swerving shot. Alexander, however, is there to produce a stunning one-handed save.

66 min - Motherwell Substitution - Darren Smith on for Stephen Hughes.

62 min - Kris Boyd is the second Gers player to go in the book after falling to the ground theatrically in the Motherwell box. Harsh decision on the Gers’ no. 9 who did get a slight nudge in the back from Craigan.

57 min - Rangers 1 Motherwell 0 - Miller and Boyd before finding Steven Davis rushing through on goal unmarked. The Northern Ireland star looks up before finishing with a unstoppable shot. Great time to open the scoring.

55 min - Davis plays the ball to Boyd who swivels before unleashing a shot from a ridiculous angle which smashes against Graeme Smith’s near post.

53 min - Motherwell Substitution - Jamie Murphy on for Chris Porter.

50 min - Kenny Miller feeds the ball to Beasley who is unmarked. The winger takes a touch before bring out an excellent save from Graeme Smith. Another good chance for Walter Smith’s men.

48 min - Jean-Claude Darcheville and Nacho Novo warm up in front of the Main Stand and could be introduced sooner rather than later as Gers look to break the deadlock.

45 min - Motherwell get the second-half started. No changes for wither team after the interval.

HT: Rangers 0 Motherwell 0 - Frustrating half for Gers who have dominated play but failed to capitalise on their possession. Alexander has not been tested but the game remains in the balance.

44 min - Davis crosses into the box from the right and Boyd is unlucky with a downward header from 15 yards which is inches wide of the target. 

39 min - Miller plays an excellent one-two with his strike partner Kris Boyd but, with only the keeper to beat, skews his shot wide from 12 yards. Great move from Rangers which deserved a goal.

36 min - Steven Davis tries his luck with an ambitious 35-yard drive which ends up in the Broomloan Stand.

32 min - Great play from Miller. The striker receives the ball with his back to goal, turns his marker brilliantly and his low, curling shot from 18-yard box is touched around the post by Smith. Best moment of the game so far.

30 min - Chris Porter is left sprawled on the turf after a tackle from Thomson. Hammell crosses from the set-piece but Bougherra clears.

28 min - Claims for a hand ball in the Motherwell 18-yard box after a Mendes thunderbolt is charged down. Ref waves away any pleas.

25 min - Ibrox erupts once again as Miller is hacked to the ground by Craigan who is booked. Weir also goes in the Eddie Smith’s book for dissent.

22 min - Paul Quinn picks up the first yellow card of the afternoon after a disgraceful challenge on Pedro Mendes. The player leaves the field for treatment before returning. Walter Smith also shows his frustration on the touchline. 

16 min - Referee speaks to Graeme Smith and Davis after the keeper kicks the ball off the midfielder’s back from close range after a free-kick had been awarded to the visitors. Petty from the Well no. 1.

12 min - Mendes lays the ball off neatly to Miller on the edge of the 18-yard box but the striker’s shot is blocked. Effort comes after a sustained period of pressure from the home side.

7 min - Kirk Broadfoot, playing at left-back, swings in a brilliant cross with his weaker foot but Reynolds clears with a powerful header. Good start from Gers.

4 min - Christian Dailly crosses from the right and the ball is inches away from the head of Miller at the near post before finishing in the arms of Graeme Smith.

2 min - Kenny Miller unlucky with an early strike which narrowly misses the target after good play from Bougherra and Davis. 

1min - Former Ger Bob Malcolm smashes into Pedro Mendes with a late tackle which leaves the Portugueses ace clutching his ankle.

0 min - Kris Boyd and Kenny Miller get the action underway from the kick-off as Gers look to maintain their three point gap at the top of the league.

RANGERS (4-4-2): Alexander; Dailly, Weir, Bougherra, Broadfoot; Davis, Mendes, Thomson, Beasley (Novo 71); Miller Boyd

Subs: McGregor, Edu, Darcheville, Niguez, McMillan, Fleck

Booked: Weir (25), Boyd (62)

MOTHERWELL (4-3-3): Smith; Quinn, Reynolds, Craigan, Hammell; Lasley, Hughes (D. Smith 66), Malcolm; Clarkson, Sutton, Porter (Murphy 53)

Subs: Nielsen, Smith, Fitzpatrick, O’Brien, McGarry, Connolly

Booked: Quinn (22), Craigan (25)

Referee: Eddie Smith

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