Rangers travelled to the Bayview Stadium to take on third-tier outfit East Fife in the Betfred Cup competition, and the Gers emerged victorious by three goals to nil.
Gerrard, as expected, made wholesale changes to the squad and big summer signing Filip Helander got his first taste in the Rangers jersey. East Fife though held their own as they enjoyed good spells of possession in the first half. Defoe opened the scoring in the 26th minute as he received the ball from Helander and he carried the ball and finished well.
Filip Helander scored the second goal as East Fife failed to clear their line. Rangers had a few more chances, but the lower tier outfit hung on. The last 15-20 minute of football was passive as both the teams didn’t show any real intent. Aribo got Rangers’ third as East Fife again failed to clear their lines on a set-piece, and Aribo fired it home from close quarters.
Here is how Gerrard’s men fared.
Wes Foderingham 6
East Fife created just two decent chances, and Foderingham dealt with them. Not much to do apart from that.
George Edmundson 6.5
An assured performance from the young defender. Never looked fazed.
Filip Helander 7.5
Scored one and assisted the first goal so attacking wise the big Swede had a fruitful game. Defensively he was at ease as the opposition failed to test Rangers’ backline.
Andy Halliday 5.5
Looked average at best playing down the left. Wasn’t able to link up play effectively and failed to provide much while going forward.
Matt Polster 5.5
His crossing was wayward and just like his fullback partner, looked average at best.
Greg Docherty 6.5
Played with confidence as he demanded the ball in midfield. Made some good runs and had some bright moments.
Glen Kamara 5
The game was played at a languid pace, and Kamara was maybe too relaxed seeing the opposition. Never really affected play much as he was loose with his passing and his miss pass allowed East Fife a great chance. Just didn’t turn up.
Joe Aribo 8
Looked threatening on various occasions and could have got more than a goal. Just seemed like head and shoulders above any other player.
Greg Stewart 5.5
Not much came from Rangers’ right flank, and Stewart was also ineffective while delivering the final ball. Still hasn’t gelled in with his team-mates as he there was no fluidity in the link-up play.
Jordan Jones 7
Was direct in his approach and troubled the opposition fullback. However, he could have been better with his final product.
Jermain Defoe 8
Smart touch and finish for the opener. On another day could have got a brace. Looked threatening with his runs and positions he took.
Substitutes
Brandon Barker 5
Got his debut and played for close to half-hour. Did alright.
Jake Hastie 6
Looked sharp and energetic.
Andy King 5
Kept possession well but nothing too incisive.
