With Celtic way ahead in points tally in Premiership, Scottish Cup has been the only hope for Rangers FC to win a silverware. The quarter final fixture against Hamilton Academical at Ibrox was a serious outing for the Gers and Graeme Murty, the interim boss, named the same squad that defeated St Johnstone on Wednesday. However, it was a complete one-sided encounter as the home side registered a gigantic 6-0 victory to proceed through to the semis.
Below are the Rangers FC players rated from this fixture.
Wes Foderingham: 6
The custodian was highly untested and did not have to do much throughout the game. Had a steady performance and was aerially good while punching and collecting the Accies’ efforts.
James Tavernier: 8
The right fullback was highly impressive with his overlap runs and whipped in a few decent crosses for his attackers. Helped his defense when required and made a number of crucial blocks and clearances early into the game.
Rob Kiernan: 8.5
The centre-back was unlucky to see a red against Rangers in their midweek victory over St. Johnstone. However, he was at the right place at the right time and provided a few crucial blocks and interceptions to deny Hamilton’s threat. Was a threat from set-pieces and his excellent downward header from McKay’s cross helped Joe Garner to tap in from clsoe range to double the lead.
Clint Hill: 8
The veteran Englishman had another steady performance as he helped his side to manage a cleansheet as well as headed home the fourth goal of the game from a corner.
Lee Wallace: 7.5
Spent more time in attack as he had very little to do defensively. Often managed to get into Hamilton’s final third and created a few decent opportunities for his attackers.
Jason Holt: 7.5
He was involved in many attacking movements for the Gers and played a few one twos with the front trio to break the Accies’ backline. Was impressive with his passing range and switched the game in both flanks from the middle.
Emerson Hyndman: 7
The young American had a decent outing as he placed a few through balls for the attackers as well as screened his defense when required with his tireless runs. Was replaced by Harry Forrester late into the game.
Jon Toral: 8.5
The Spanish attacking midfielder, who is enjoying a productive campaign on loan from Arsenal, had another stellar performance against the Accies. He drilled through the Hamilton defense repeatedly and was unstoppable throughout the game. He was hauled back into the box that resulted in a penalty converted by Martyn Waghorn to break the deadlock. His header was saved well by Hamilton custodian in the middle of second half, but his shot from inside the box helped his side to score the third of the game seconds after.
Martyn Waghorn : 7.5
Used the right hand flank and linked up well with fellow attackers to stage a gigantic victory. He broke the deadlock from the spot sending the keeper in the wrong way to net his fourteenth goal of the season. Was subbed off at around 74th minute marked to be replaced by Michael O’Halloran.
Barrie McKay: 8
McKay was excellent from set pieces and destroyed the Hamilton defense with his pace, dribbling and direct runs. Linked up well with Waghorn, Miller and Garner and created numerous opportunities for his side.
Kenny Miller: 6
His volley crashed off the woodwork and went over within half an hour into the game. Was subbed off at half time with a suspected injury and his replacement Joe Garner scored a 45-minute hat-trick en route to an one-sided encounter.
Substitutes:
Joe Garner : 10
Joe Garner’s inclusion changed the tempo of the game as the Gers netted five second half goals – Garner scored three among them to register a hat-trick.
Michael O’Halloran: 6
Was introduced in place of Waghorn for last twenty minutes.
Harry Forrester: 6
Was replaced by Harry Forrester late into the game.
