It was supposed to be a stroll in the park for Rangers who hosted the minnows Greenock Morton in the second round of the Scottish League Cup. But the latter stunned the Ibrox crowd when they grabbed a lead early into the second half. The Light Blues responded swiftly and scored twice in quick succession en route to scripting an edgy victory on Saturday afternoon.
Below are the Rangers players rated in their win against Greenock Morton.
Jack Butland: 6.5
Made a decent save to deny Robbi Muirhead early into the contest. Could have done little to stop Grant Gillespie’s spot-kick minutes after the break. Was hardly tested otherwise as the hosts dominated the game.
Dujon Sterling: 6
Made some overlapping runs down the right-hand flank, but the fullback failed to threaten enough with his final deliveries. Made way for Danilo minutes before the hour mark.
Connor Goldson: 7
Dominated the defensive game with his physical and aerial supremacy. Came close to finding the net, however, could not keep his header on target.
Leon Balogun: 6.5
Did well to partner with Goldson at the heart of the backline. Was denied by the woodwork moments before being replaced by Abdallah Sima.
Johnly Yfeko: 7
The young academy prodigy tried his best to make the opportunity count. Fought hard to win duels and make marauding runs from the left.
Jose Cifuentes: 7.5
Indeed an exciting addition in the middle of the park. The Ecuador international was lively all throughout with his box-to-box movements, swift skills and creative spark.
John Lundstram: 7.5
Missed the Servette tie due to personal reasons. But the Englishman returned to action this afternoon as he dominated the midfield game with his timely challenges and deliveries from the centre of the pitch.
Kieran Dowell: 6.5
Showed his composure with the ball at his feet. His free-kick was denied by Jamie MacDonald before the half-time whistle. Could have done more in and around the final third.
Rabbi Matondo: 7
Looked impressive down the flank with his pace, mazy runs and footwork. Not only forced MacDonald to make saves but also saw an early effort cleared off the line soon after the kick-off. Made way for Adam Devine late in the contest.
Cyriel Dessers: 8
Conceded a penalty that led to Greenock’s opener. But he converted from the spot minutes later and also set it up for Danilo who made no mistake to grab the winner. Was replaced by Kemar Roofe with 10 minutes remaining of the regulation time.
Sam Lammers: 5.5
Was largely ineffective as a ‘number 9’. Offered little in the build-ups and was eventually taken off for Ianis Hagi around the hour mark.
Rangers Subs Vs Greenock Morton
Ianis Hagi: 7.5
Was excellent since coming on as he showed his expertise in the attacking third.
Abdallah Sima: 7.5
Came close to grabbing a goal as his close-range header hit the woodwork.
Danilo: 7.5
Maintained his composure to make the scoreline 2-1 from Dessers’ pass.
Kemar Roofe: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
Adam Devine: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
