Mark Warburton relieved some pressure off his shoulders with a 2-1 win against Aberdeen on Saturday afternoon. The Gers moved ahead of Hearts to second in the Scottish Premiership. Hearts could only manage a 2-2 draw against Ross County and Victoria Park at the same time. However, Rangers still sit eight points behind their arch rivals Celtic who also won 3-4 against Motherwell earlier today.
The game was pretty even in the first half but neither side could take their chances. Rangers took the lead in the 53rd minute and it was veteran Kenny Miller who scored it. Lee Hodson was preferred ahead of James Tavernier by Warburton in this game and the Northern Irishman repaid his boss for the trust he showed. The right-back doubled the lead with a powerful strike on 70 minutes.
Rangers’ defender Clint Hill got his second yellow in the 91st minute and invited Aberdeen to score a consolation. Andrew Considine headed past Foderingham in the 94th minute before Aberdeen skipper Ryan Jack was sent off for a silly foul in the final minute of the game.
Here are the Rangers player ratings from the game.
Wes Foderingham: 7.5/10
A top performance from the keeper to frustrate the Aberdeen attackers with a few brilliant saves. Passed well too.
Lee Hodson: 7.5/10
Replaced Tavernier at right-back and made a statement. Defended really well and scored a sensational goal.
Rob Kiernan: 6.5/10
Kiernan looked pretty solid at the back. Read the game well and intercepted dangers. Looked composed on and off the ball.
Clint Hill: 6.5/10
A brilliant game from the veteran defender. Was a monumental presence at the backline with his big frame. Made numerous blocks but made a needless foul late in the game to get a needless second yellow card.
Lee Wallace: 6/10
Missed a one of one chance early in the game. But defended really well.
Jason Holt: 6.5/10
Was all around the pitch and made a number of solid tackles. Was solid both defensive and attacking wise.
Andy Halliday: 7.5/10
The Scottish midfielder is slowly but surely making a name for himself in the middle of the park. Protected the back four really well and kept the team going with his passing.
Barrie McKay: 7/10
Started his first game since a loss to Celtic and did really well. Set up Hodson for the second goal.
Michael O’Halloran: 6/10
Showed great pace and hunger during the game but lacked the end product time and time again.
Joe Garner: 6.5/10
Wasteful in front of the goal but set up Miller nicely for the opener.
Kenny Miller: 7.5/10
Was at the right place at the right time to tuck in Garner’s cross.
Substitutes
James Tavernier: 5/10
Did nothing special after replacing Miller in the 64th minute.
Martyn Waghorn: 6/10
The English forward made some solid runs off the ball.
Harry Forrester: NA
