Rangers entertained League One side Stranraer FC in the Scottish Cup at Ibrox. The Glaswegian giants booked their place in the next round with a 2-0 win.
As expected, the home team dominated the game as Rangers saw a lot of the ball. They seemingly lacked the cutting edge in the first half, but they got the breakthrough via Scott Arfield’s goal who scored in the 44th minute from a corner after the ball fell kindly to him in the box.
Rangers continued with their ascendency, and Defoe was brought down in the box in the 65th minute. He scored from the spot to make it 2-0. Stranraer failed even to have an attempt on goal.
Here is how Gerrard’s men fared on the night.
Wes Foderingham 6
Had very little to do throughout the game.
Nikola Katic 6
Swept up whatever little dangers that came his way and looked assured on the ball.
George Edmundson 6
Looked comfortable with the ball at his feet and was hardly involved in too much defending.
Nathan Patterson 7
The youngster has been making a lot of buzz in the youth side, and he finally got his chance to make his debut. Saw a lot of the ball and put in some useful crosses in. Looked confident every time he got on the ball. Wasn’t tested much defensively.
Andy Halliday 6.5
A steady performance from Halliday. Had one decent attempt on goal in the first half. Got the job done.
Steven Davis 7
Orchestrated play from midfield and saw a lot of the ball. Played some incisive passes. Not at his influential best but looked decent.
Ryan Jack 7.5
Came close to scoring in the first half but was denied by the post. Played with a lot of energy and moved the ball well.
Scott Arfield 7.5
Was taking up some dangerous positions on the right and linked up play well. Scored with a simple finish to give Rangers the lead. Always probing and looking to make clever runs.
Joe Aribo 8
His touches and body feints were often brilliant. Looked like a major threat every time he got on the ball as he went past the opposition with ease. Growing in his role on the right flank which is a good sign for Gerrard.
Jordan Jones 6
Wasn’t able to get in the game much as most of Rangers’ attacks were coming from the right. Had one headed chance early on in the game which he missed.
Jermain Defoe 7
Wasn’t able to get in the game much initially but setup Ryan Jack well where the midfielder struck the post. Got more involved as the game went on and showed some quick feet in tight areas. Scored from the spot after he was brought down in the box.
Substitutes
Brandon Barker 4
Found it hard to influence the game after coming on.
Sheyi Ojo 4
Was loose and gave the ball away cheaply a few times.
Kai Kennedy N/A
Didn’t play enough to warrant a rating.
