Rangers have finally won their first competitive game of the season at the third time of asking.
A draw and a loss to Lithuanian champions FBK Kaunas left Ibrox somewhat blue last week, if you excuse the pun.
That European disaster left Rangers fans demanding changes before today's first Scottish Premier League match of the season away at Falkirk.
Walter Smith certainly changed the team about, but Rangers again never got going and in the end were somewhat lucky to walk away with all three points.
New signings Kyle Lafferty, Andrius Velicka, and Madjid Bougherra were drafted in to a more positive 4-4-2, but with Carlos Cuellar, Barry Ferguson, and Nacho Novo missing through injury and suspension there isn't too much that Smith can do.
A sluggish Rangers failed to make any impact at the Falkirk stadium apart from in the referee's book—four yellow cards showing just what a struggle it was.
Falkirk on the other hand were able to play some quality football at times with veteran Russell Latapy (40) always looking comfortable on the ball.
37-year-old Lee Bullen also started for Falkirk with former Celtic favourite Jackie McNamara rounding out what could be the oldest team in British football!
They used their experience well to unsettle a very un-confident Ibrox side and went in level at the break a little upset they weren't in the lead.
Shortly after halftime Rangers Steven Whittaker was caught out in his own box and was forced to bring down McBride.
Michael Higdon's penalty, however, was expertly saved by Allan McGregor.
A lucky break for Rangers, who I think would have had no answer to going behind.
The shock of nearly going behind certainly woke up the Gers, who finally went ahead thanks to good work by Boyd and Lafferty, which led to a tap in for Velicka on his first start for the club.
The game was far from settled, though, as first Christian Dailly and then Kirk Broadfoot saving further light blue blushes with last ditch tackles in the Rangers box.
Falkirk in the end ran out of steam and Rangers breathed a huge sigh of relief as the final whistle blew.
Three points for the Glasgow side but there's a long, long way to go!
Falkirk can hold their heads up high as the better footballing side on the day and they've done the SPL proud with a quality televised performance.
The SPL, it's getting better you know!
6 comments Last one added 11 months ago — Leave a Comment
XXX XXX 11 months ago
Back to the drawing board...
3 points is 3 points though...
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Andrew McNair 11 months ago
Yip, I think it'll be like this for a while. Especially with faces coming and going.
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Benjamin Rogers 11 months ago
for me it was huge blow o ranger being noked out the champions league , however they have respoded with a go result.
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Andrew McNair 11 months ago
They say champions grind out results. Pity Champs never usually look this bad.
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Salomon Gonzales 11 months ago
Agree with Alby. 3 points is 3 points.. Must admit though, it was a stinker of a start to a season last week...
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Andrew McNair 11 months ago
It definately is and 3 points I'm very glad of. A positive start to the SPL season was essential!
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