Ibrox braced itself as Dundee came to town and a win for Rangers was the only objective in mind. A victory for them would see them get placed at third in the Scottish Premiership table with twenty points but 14 behind bitter rivals Celtic. Playing a 4-3-3 and an unchanged team from their previous game, Rangers dominated proceedings in the earlier half and failed to capitalise on the chances they created and some were due to stunning football created through the centre.
It was a frustrating afternoon as Dundee’s constant defensive resilience thwarted almost all the effort put in by the home side but the breakthrough came, right at the end from a header by midfielder Harry Forrester. Joe Dodoo turned on his right foot on the left wing and delivered a cross which substitute Forrester glanced into the right-hand corner. An important victory for The Gers! Here’s how they have been rated after a fighting display and a win.
GK: Wes Foderingham – 6.5/10
Didn’t have much to do but did tip over a Dundee free kick to keep visitors at bay in their fruitful spell. A clean sheet is the positive thing.
RB: James Tavernier – 6/10
Nothing special to mention about and did look subdued. Added a dimension down the right flank but didn’t get himself into the game much. Delivered a sublime cross in the second half that needed to be converted.
CB: Clint Hill – 6.5/10
Slid in impressively to deny Vincent from scoring after a low corner. An organised and disciplined performance from the centre-back.
CB: Rob Kiernan – 6/10
Looked to be hardly threatened during the match. Silent but effective.
LB: Lee Wallace – 6/10
Didn’t come into the picture at all. Battled for the ball and retrieved it well on and off.
CM: Andy Halliday – 6.5/10
No individual brilliance to praise but he got involved himself into some lovely football Rangers played through the middle.
CM: Jason Holt – 7/10
Barged through the middle and took a great shot on target only to be denied by an exception save in the second half. Threatened with the movement and pace and as a team, through the centre, he was needed. A decent display by the midfielder.
CM: Josh Windass – 7.5/10
Was almost like a fulcrum to the attack but couldn’t put to bed the chances he got. A bright performance from the midfielder who deserved more!
FW: Joe Garner – 6.5/10
Got decent chances which he had to take well but just like the team, the final third impact wasn’t there and Dundee’s defensive set up denied him. Undoubtedly he was the centre of the action. His through ball almost found Miller whereas his turn and shot was wide. Should be clinical.
FW: Kenny Miller – 7/10
Nearly got a sublime through ball which he could have finished and a low cross nearly reached him as well if not for some stunning defending from Dundee. Involved himself well but just couldn’t do anything effective. Was withdrawn in the second half and goal scorer Forrester came on.
FW: Michael O’Halloran – 6/10
Nothing extraordinary even though almost the entire crew of midfield and forwards linked up every time they went on offence. He was withdrawn for Dodoo in the second half.
