Rangers FC are still way behind their Glasgow rivals Celtic FC in terms quality and points tally, but today’s outing against Hamilton Academical at SuperSeal Stadium came up with an opportunity to overtake Aberdeen and secure the runners-up spot for the time being. The Accies are struggling lower down the league table and the game against the Light Blues was a real difficulty at this stage of the campaign. Yet, it was not tipped to be a stroll in the park for the Gers due to their unpredictable away run but a November defeat at Ibrox made the visitors determined to seek a revenge on the Premiership minnows.
It, however, proved to be a goal fest at New Douglas Park where the Glasgow giants registered a 5-3 win and climbed up to the second spot in the league tally.
Below are the Rangers F. C. players rated in their thumping win against Hamilton.
Wes Foderingham: 6
The custodian did not enjoy a cosy afternoon as he conceded twice from the hosts’ two efforts on target in the first-half. Could have done little to stop Dougie Imrie’s powerful strike from the spot in closing minutes of the game.
James Tavernier: 7
The game was open and despite having the defensive lapse, the Englishman provided support in the attack with his overlap runs and crosses inside the box from the right-hand flank. Played his part in the Gers fourth of the afternoon.
David Bates: 6.5
The young centre-back made some timely clearances but conceded twice within the first half an hour into the game. He, however, uplifted his game in the second half and delivered a decent defensively display in a difficult afternoon.
Russell Martin: 6
The Norwich City loanee lacked pace at times but used his experience well to contain the Accies attackers and kept hold of the lead that his side scripted despite falling behind in early minutes. He, however, conceded a penalty late in the game following his handball and Dougie Imrie made no mistake from the spot to decrease the margin.
Declan John: 6.5
John should have done a lot better defensively but in an open encounter like this fullbacks are expected to spend the majority of time in the attack. The youngster did exactly the same and kept on linking up with Windass down the left-hand flank.
Jamie Murphy: 9
Murphy was having a hard time at Brighton & Hove Albion but the loan move in winter seems to be paying off finally as the Scotsman had a blinder of a game and helped his side to register a comeback. He equalizer minutes after Darren Lyon’s early opener after picking up Morelos’ pass and assisted the other three of their first-half goals.
Sean Goss: 7.5
The QPR loanee kept on troubling the Accies backline with his long balls and forced their custodian Gary Woods to stop his free-kick in the closing seconds of the first-half. Was replaced by Andrew Halliday late in the game.
Greg Docherty: 7.5
The ex-Hamilton midfielder was handed his first league start by Graeme Murty but did not disappoint in his return to his boyhood side. His long balls were excellent and the youngster kept on controlling the game in the middle of the park by switching it to the flanks.
Josh Windass: 9.5
Celebrated his contract extension with a hat-trick as the young English attacker was ruthless whenever he was having the ball. Troubled the Accies defence with his pace, tricky runs and shooting traits. Was taken off minutes after bagging his third of the afternoon and was replaced by the veteran Kenny Miller.
Daniel Candeias: 7
Candeias started the game behind Morelos and made some vital contribution in the build-ups of the relentless Rangers attack.
Alfredo Morelos: 9
Despite hitting the woodwork in early minutes, the Colombian youngster grabbed his side’s third from Murphy’s pass and also assisted the latter to equalize in early minutes. He persistently posed threat in the Accies backline and assisted Windass to grab his hat-trick in the second half. Was taken off late in the game to be replaced by Jason Cummings.
Substitutes
Kenny Miller: 6
The 38-year old veteran was handed a few minutes of action in place of the hat-trick hero Windass.
Jason Cummings: 6
The forward made some impressive movements around the box since replacing Alfredo Morelos.
Andrew Halliday: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
