Rangers’ recent upsurge hit a massive setback last weekend when they suffered a shocking 1-3 home defeat to St. Johnstone despite taking an early lead. Today’s trip to Rugby Park was another opportunity for the Gers to get closer to bitter rivals Celtic FC who suffered their first domestic defeat in 69 games last weekend against Hearts. But their afternoon outing against Kilmarnock FC proved to be an action replay of their St. Johnstone where despite having a first-half lead, Graeme Murty’s men failed to retain that and suffered their second successive defeat following two late goals from the Scottish veteran Kris Boyd.
Below are the Rangers players rated from their shocking 2-1 defeat against Kilmarnock.
Wes Foderingham: 6
‘The custodian made some decent stops to deny Kris Boyd but could not stop the veteran hitman from scoring two quickfire goals that altered the fate of the game.
James Tavernier: 5.5
He was decent going forward, created chances with his one-twos, crosses, and runs but exposed defensively, particularly in the second half when the hosts desperately chased the game.
David Bates: 5
The youngster was handed a start in place of injured Bruno Alves. Struggled to contain Kris Boyd throughout the afternoon who finally escaped with a win single-handedly for the hosts.
Danny Wilson: 6
Wore the captain’s armband this afternoon, was having a great game until the last 15 minutes when they conceded two late goals to give away their first-half lead.
Lee Hodson: 6
Didn’t offer much offensively, but tried to maintain a defensive composure from his left-back role. Was taken off late in the game to be replaced by Eduardo Herrera in order to find a late equalizer.
Ryan McCrorie: 5.5
The youngster was having a decent first-half with blocks, interceptions and was screening his defence from a deeper midfield role by breaking down opponent’s counter-attacking threats. However, he lost his plot in the second half and failed to contain the veteran Youssouf Mulumbu who bossed the midfield for the hosts.
Jason Holt: 6.5
Worked hard in the middle of the park, linked up well with the attackers at times, played some decent through balls up front but failed to win the midfield battle as well as the game for the visitors.
Daniel Candeias: 6
Worked hard down the right-hand flank, cut inside a few times, whipped in a few crosses inside the box, but lacked accuracy in his final delivery.
Declan John: 8
Signed a permanent deal earlier this week and celebrated the event with a goal in the first-half to hand his side an early lead. Was played in an advanced role that helped him to create more opportunities in the box from the left-hand flank.
Josh Windass: 7
Windass assisted John for his goal, made some brilliant runs, impressed with his footwork and ball skills but failed to convert a simple opportunity in the second-half from a Candeias’ cross.
Alfredo Morelos: 5
Morelos was in great form lately and scoring goals regularly, but the Columbian missed out two golden opportunities once in both the halves which proved to be costly for the Gers.
Substitutes
Eduardo Herrera: NA
Replaced Hodson late in the game to find an equalizer for the Gers who conceded two late goals to give away the lead. The Mexican continued his unimpressive run and failed to alter anything in last few minutes.
