RangersMedia

With the midweek results still resounding around it will test the ability of the manager and his assistants to keep this team’s feet on the ground. There are many points to play for in the season still and all Rangers need to do is keep winning games.

Today sees the visit of bottom of the table Falkirk but Rangers are still missing out on some influential players, especially up front where we look a bit lost in front of goal.

Boyd and Miller are joined on the absentee list by Bougherra, Beasley, Edu and Mendes who is finalising a move back to his home country. This gives the chance for Lafferty to try and impress once more with Fleck sitting in behind where he looked a lot more comfortable last week.

 

Rangers have acquired the habit of scoring early in games and it has become a vital part of our plan as when other teams settle, we tend to sit back far too much and allow them to control games. It was Davis this time who, from a Lafferty won free kick, curled an unstoppable effort into the top corner. As said though, Falkirk settled into a game after that but never really troubled McGregor.

Walter decided to shuffle the pack a bit at half time to inspire a response and he did it by moving Novo up top with Lafferty and slotting Fleck out to the left side to get some decent ball into the box. The switch seemed to step rangers up a gear as chances started to come more frequently. If only we had the players to put them away…

The second goal game though with some nice play from Lafferty and Davis who sent the ball right across the box for Fleck who was unmarked to finish. That opened Falkirk up a bit more and with the guile of Davis he capitalised big time. He flicked the ball through for Whittaker who controlled excellently, turned and slotted home his ninth of the season and Rangers third of the game.

Rangers could now afford to rest up some players and give a run out to others as Naismith and Smith both got the chance in place of an unhappy Novo and Papac. The chances continued to come, especially on the break and with a bit more composure Lafferty should really have helped himself to a couple of goals.

A good all round performance by Rangers who consolidate their Ten point gap at the top of the table. Next up, the first semi final of the season.



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RM’s verdict:

McGregor – 6 Couple of routine saves and some mopping up led to another clean sheet for the Rangers number one.

Whittaker – 7 Still a scary prospect at right back but by christ the boy can score a goal. Superb control to slot home his ninth of the season.

Weir – 7 Tough day against his towering counterpart but coped, as he always does, admirably.

Wilson – 7 His biggest asset is his footballing brain. Reads situations extremely well and anticipates what his opposition is going to do. Very composed display.

Papac – 6 Since his Pele esc skills of two weeks ago, he’s hardly been seen in an attacking position. Still keeps the back four a solid prospect.

Davis – 9 There is no better footballer in the league at present. His passing, control and engine are unsurpassed. An invaluable asset to the team at present.

McCulloch – 6 Industrious and hard working and keeps a close eye on his back four. Didn’t get to fire off his normal 20 yarder today.

Thomson – 7 Definitely coming back onto a game as his timing of the tackle and pass start to re-click. He could become a big player for the run in to the season.

Novo –6 Not the wee man’s finest performance. Gave the ball away far too much and any little flicks just didn’t come off. In saying that he saves himself for times of need.

Fleck 8 Showed some excellent touches on the ball and some good passing. The signs of the player we were all told about are emerging. Well taken goal too.

Lafferty –7 A lot better effort from the big man today. Got into positions to score a hat trick just wasn’t composed enough to take them. Won the free kick for Davis and involved in the build up for Flecks.


Subs –

Naismith – 5 Rusty and it showed early on. The more the game went though the better he looked.

Smith – 5 Unlucky not with a brilliant forward run.

Little- 3 Pointless last minute sub. Could have given the boy a bit more time.

• Rangers: McGregor, Weir, Papac (Smith 64), Whittaker, Wilson, McCulloch, Davis, Thomson, Novo (Naismith 62), Lafferty (Little 88), Fleck.
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• Subs: Alexander, Broadfoot, Smith, Wylde, Ness, Naismith, Little



Goals: Davis 18, Fleck 57, Whittaker 61



• Falkirk: Olejnik, Barr, McNamara, McLean, Twaddle, Arfield, Flynn (Finnigan 77), Lima, Healy, Compton (O’Brien 65), Showunmi.


• Subs: Michael Andrews, Bullen, Duffy, O'Brien, Moutinho, Finnigan, Stewart.


Booked: McLean, Healy.



Att: 45,907

Ref: Allan