It was supposed to be a stroll in the park for the high-flying Rangers side when they locked horns with bottom-placed Hamilton Academical at SuperSeal stadium. But the hosts delivered a headstrong display against the runaway Premiership leaders and were unfortunate on an array of occasions having been denied by majestic Allan McGregor. Although they conceded a late own goal due to Ryan Fulton’s howler, their grit and determination earned them an equaliser moments before the final whistle to stun the Glasgow giants.
Below are the Rangers players rated in their disappointing 1-1 draw versus Hamilton Academical.
Allan McGregor: 8
Deserved a cleansheet for his stupendous show between the sticks. Made several crucial stops including a stunning double save to frustrate Scott McMann and Ross Callachan early into the second half. The latter, however, found the net in the closing seconds to salvage a well-deserved point from this engaging contest.
James Tavernier: 6
The skipper created a couple of changes while surging forward from the right-hand flank. But his crosses, long-balls as well as the set-pieces were not accurate enough which resulted in wasted opportunities in the attacking third.
Connor Goldson: 7
Dominated aerially, also got denied by Fulton once in the Accies goal. Struggled to play it out from the back and made no-nonsense clearances to avoid pressure from the likes of Ogboe, Anderson and Callachan.
Filip Helander: 6.5
Made a crucial foul to break down a well-rehearsed Hamilton counter-attacking threat. Was not entirely dominant while engaging in duels and lacked the physicality against the hosts’ frontline.
Borna Barisic: 6.5
Worked hard from his left-back role as he made a lot of recoveries and challenges. Kept whipping in crosses and one such attempt led to Brian Easton’s unfortunate own goal late in the game.
Bongani Zungu: 5
Lost the majority of duels and was out of depth in the centre of the pitch that allowed the home side to dominate the midfield game. Lacked the vision throughout and was taken off to make way for Ryan Jack around the hour-mark.
Joe Aribo: 6
Had a few chances to find the net but was either denied by Fulton or failed to keep it on target. Worked hard in order to play his part in the build-ups but got dispossessed far too easily, allowing Brian Rice’s men to build their moves.
Glen Kamara: 6
Did his job as he linked up with the front trio with smart one-twos and persistent runs. Switched the game across the pitch but was running out of ideas towards the end. Made way for Steven Davis with 12 minutes remaining of the regulation period.
Ianis Hagi: 5.5
His solitary goal earned all three points against St. Johnstone, but today the Romanian sensation was far from his best from the right-hand flank. His dribbles were unsuccessful, and the lack of variation saw Steven Gerrard bringing in winter recruit Scott Wright around the 78th-minute mark.
Ryan Kent: 5
Had a couple of attempts off target. Stayed too long on the pitch and the gaffer should have taken him off for losing the possession far too frequently.
Cedric Itten: 6
Was industrious with his work rate, dribbles and physical presence in and around the Hamilton box. But he committed too many fouls that often ruined the rhythm before making way for Kemar Roofe midway through the second half.
Rangers Substitutes Vs Hamilton Academical
Ryan Jack: 6
Injected a creative spark from behind the front three and uplifted the tempo in the middle of the park with swift runs and smart passing moves.
Kemar Roofe: 5.5
Did not have enough touches and had a couple of strikes off target.
Steven Davis: 6
Instigated the move that led to the own goal but was lethargic defensively allowing the hosts to have a free run before finding the equaliser.
Scott Wright: 5.5
Failed to make enough notable contributions.
