Rangers had a golden opportunity to increase their lead at the top to four points as they travelled to Rugby Park on Friday to play Kilmarnock. Mark Warburton’s boys wasted the opportunity as they had to settle for just one point against the 10 men of Killie. Kilmarnock were by far the better team in the first half and it was none other than former Rangers man Kris Boyd who gave the home side 1-0 lead. With the striker, Boyd reached an impressive milestone by scoring his 250th in British football.
Rangers improved a bit in the second half as James Tavernier got the Gers back into the game with a brilliant free-kick goal in the 59th minute. Just four minutes later, Killie got a major blow with defender Greg Taylor sent off for a shocking challenge on Rangers midfielder Joey Barton. However, Rangers failed to use their man-advantage as Kilmarnock held firm to the pressure.
It’s a poor result for the Gers as they can be overtaken by rivals Celtic today and the Hoops still will have a game in hand. Warburton’s side need to buckle up if they have to contend for the title. Here are Rangers player ratings against Kilmarnock.
Wes Foderingham: 6.5/10
Could do very little to stop Boyd from scoring. Apart from the goal he conceded, the 25-year-old had a good display handling the ball well and distribution was also decent.
James Tavernier: 7/10
Skied an easy chance but made up for it by scoring a spectacular 25-yeard free kick.
Rob Kiernan: 6/10
The 25-year-old struggled against the experienced Kris Boyd. Despite his improvement in the second half, still far from what is expected of him.
Clint Hill: 5.5/10
The veteran defender’s lack of pace haunted him as Boyd outran him before scoring the goal.
Lee Wallace: 5.5/10
A rare off-game from the skipper. Rangers were vulnerable from his flank but he could not offer much attacking wise too.
Jordan Rossiter: 5.5/10
A poor game from the youngster and it was evident that the chemistry is missing between him and Barton.
Joey Barton: 6.5/10
A poor first half from the midfielder but improved vastly after the break.
Harry Forrester: 6.5/10
Tried to make something happen every time he got the ball but could not find the cutting edge.
Barrie McKay: 6/10
An average outing from the 21-year-old Rangers prodigy.
Joe Dodoo: NA
Was subbed off after suffering two injuries in 15 minutes.
Substitutes
Joe Garner: 6.5/10
Looked quite sharp on his Rangers debut.
Niko Kranjcar: 6/10
Brought that much-needed creativity in midfield after coming on.
Andy Halliday: 5/10
Could not really make much impact.
