Despite not much left to play for this season, Rangers were determined to finish things off on a high note this afternoon against Kilmarnock. Killie had to ensure a win to claim a place in Europe ahead of Aberdeen whereas the Gers, on the road, were upbeat having scripted a stunning 2-0 win against Old Firm rivals Celtic last week.
Rangers had an early setback at Rugby Park when Chris Burke earned the hosts a lead within ten minutes into the game. However, Alfredo Morelos equalised in the second half to net his 30th goal of the campaign. But the jubilation did not last long as Steve Clarke’s men were rewarded a late spot-kick. Eamonn Brophy kept his calm and beat past substitute Firth to register a decisive win in front of the home crowd.
Below are the Rangers players rated in their disappointing 2-1 defeat against Kilmarnock.
Wes Foderingham: 6.5
Earned back to back starts in place of the suspended Allan McGregor. Could have done little to stop Burke’s strike but made a great save to deny Youssouf Mulumbu minutes into the second half. But the custodian suffered a late disappointment as he was forced to leave the pitch and make way for Andy Firth following an injury blow.
Jon Flanagan: 5.5
Was restored in the right-back role replacing skipper James Tavernier. Had moments of discomfort against Rory McKenzie down the flank and concentrated more on defending deep rather than making overlapping runs.
Connor Goldson: 7
Maintained his composure in the heart of the backline. Made some decisive blocks, interceptions and clearances but failed to salvage a point from this tricky away contest.
Joe Worrall: 5.5
Was below par once again as he struggled under pressure. Tried to play it out from the back, but a lack of vision and poor execution refrained him from making successful attacking transitions.
Borna Barisic: 3
The Croatian had an afternoon to forget as he was not only at fault for Burke’s goal but also conceded a late spot-kick which led to a defeat in the final encounter of their campaign.
Andy Halliday: 6
The versatile Scotsman was handed a start in the middle of the park in place of the injured Steven Davis. He made some ambitious runs as well as long balls forward for the attackers. But the final delivery lacked accuracy on most occasions as they failed to distort the hosts’ set-up. Was replaced by Jermain Defoe late in the game.
Ryan Jack: 7.5
Was impressive as he laid it perfectly into the path of Morelos to make it 1-1. Struggled at times to retain possession yet offered combativity against the headstrong Killie.
Glen Kamara: 6.5
Was outstanding against Celtic last week but failed to replicate the magic in midfield this afternoon. Tried to control and orchestrate the game from a central role but was unable to keep things under control, particularly in the second half.
Daniel Candeias: 6
Hit the woodwork seconds before Burke’s opener. Failed to combine with Flanagan down the right flank, therefore, offered little in the attacking third before being taken off and replaced by youngster Dapo Mebude.
Ryan Kent: 6
Forced Jamie MacDonald into making an excellent stop early in the game. Looked menacing from the left with his flashy skills, pace, directness, however, failed to threaten enough in the decisive moments.
Alfredo Morelos: 7.5
The Colombian returned to the starting XI and found an equaliser to finish the season as the league’s top scorer ahead of Aberdeen’s Sam Cosgrove. He picked up Jack’s pass and thrashed the ball high into the net, leaving the keeper with no chance to stop the strike.
Substitutes
Dapo Mebude: 5.5
Showed some smart moves from the right flank but could not break down the opponents’ resilience.
Jermain Defoe: NA
Came in place of Halliday but did not have enough touches to trouble the hosts.
Andy Firth: NA
Could have been the Gers’ hero on his debut, however, failed to deny Brophy’s late winner from the spot.
