Rangers chalked up their third successive League win in Paisley tonight to
secure pole position in the title race for the first time this season with a
3-1 win over St. Mirren.
The Love Street outfit may have lost both of their opening fixtures before
tonight, but they set about the task in hand with determination and vigour
in an effort to hassle the Champions out of their stride, but the first
opening of the game was created almost single-handedly by Jorg Albertz whose
surging run through the middle in the sixth minute forced Ludovic Roy not a
diving one-handed save. Three minutes later a similar run by the German
midfielder ended with a right-foot shot which trundled wide.
Recent speculation over Albertzıs future at Ibrox would not seem to have
unsettled the fanıs hero, his appetite for the game appearing undiminished
as he linked with Neil McCann on the left to create an opening for Rod
Wallace, only for Paul Rudden to scoop the ball clear at the last moment.
THus far it had been one-way traffic, but Saintsı own German import Jens
Paeslack did come close in twenty minutes with a flashing header from a
cross by Iain Nicolson, and the ex-Rangers full-back created another
opportunity three minutes later which Mark Yardley failed to control right
in front of goal.
The most controversial incident of the entire game arrived in 26 minutes hen
a Billy dodds chip found Rod Wallace who was clearly fouled by Paul Rudden -
the penalty award coming on the say-so of linesman Gordon Allison.
Jorg albertz duly converted the spot kick much to the ire of the home fans.
Rangers were well in command and Barry Ferguson should certainly have done
better than slice the goal wide of the target from Fernando Ricksenıs pass
following a mix-up in the Saints defence and the Ibrox supremacy seemed to
increase the longer the firs half went on, a long pass from Tugay to Jorg
albertz creating a chance for Billy Dodds, whose low 15 yard shot forced Roy
into a fine save. Before the interval the ex-Dundee United striker turned
creator for Wallace who was felled as he surged through the home defence
before regaining his stride only for his effort to be blocked.
Rangers should really have had a greater lead at the interval, given their
first half supremacy and they were almost made to pay in 48 minutes when
Stefan Klos hesitated in coming out for a Barry mcLaughlin cross only for
the hapless Mark yardley to slice his shot wide
St Mirren were made to pay the full penalty for that miss within two minutes
when Billy Dodds shot into the roof of the bet from some 15 yards, the ball
having been laid into his path by Neil McCann from a Tugay pass, and in 52
minutes St Mirren manager Tom Hendrie substituted the unfortunate Yardley,
replacing him with local hero Steven McGarry who had scored two goals
against angers in a preseason friendly at the same venue last year.
McGarryıs introduction appear to rekindle the belief of the home side and
their fans and within ten minutes Rangers lead had been halved when Paeslack
seized on a rebound following a fine Klos save from McGarry.
The game was now back in the melting pot but within three minutes Rangersı
two-goal lead had been restored when Jorg albertz netted with a wicked 25
yard free kick.
The game was as good as won, but the woodwork denied Rod Wallace a
spectacular fourth in 77 minutes when his overhead kick struck the crossbar
after Neil McCannıs cross had found the head of Billy Dodds whose effort was
blocked.
Rangers thereafter coasted to victory although picking up a couple of yellow
cards along the way, Barry Ferguson for a tackle on Tommy Turner and Amoruso
for blocking a run by Steven McGarry.
Rangers manager Dick Advocaat afterwards praised Jorg Albertzıs performance,
reflecting on recent speculation over a possible move to Coventry City he
pointed out that his player had recently signed a new contract and nobody
change their mind in a matter of weeks.
In any case I always have the last word² he pointed out. Advocaat also
pointed out that Albertz has improved his work rate from last season.
Turning to tonightıs game he said that the players had displayed
professionalism in the first half although they should have had more goals
to show for their superiority. The players are getting sharper game by
game with Fernando Ricksen and Bert Konterman in particular improving.
Michael Mols is now training and running but still perhaps three to four
weeks away from playing.
Rangers are still searching fro a new striker and there is still hope that
one will be in place before the end of the month.
Advocaat paid tribute to St Mirren's approach to the game and the fact that
they had played with three strikers.
St Mirren manager Tom Hendrie praised his teamıs performance, stressing that
they had worked hard, kept to their game plan and had always went forward.
However, Rangers had given his players a lesson in professionalism. He
accepted that the first half penalty was a clearly correct decision but
reflected on Mark Yardleyıs missed chances.
Rangers have a clear strength in depth with a clear quality in player but
the gap is not unbridgeable. Rangers were comfortable winners but needless
goals were conceded.
