Full Time: Rangers 1-0 Kilmarnock
Rangers kicked off the post-Murty era with a 1-0 win over Kilmarnock at the Ibrox Stadium on Saturday, thanks to a last-gasp winner from defender David Bates.
When the game seemed to be heading towards a draw, Bates came up with the goods five minutes from full-time, heading in a Sean Goss delivery from close range to hand his team the lead. That goal proved to be enough for the Gers to take all three points against the Killies.
Rangers Player Ratings
Jak Alnwick – 7/10
Made a brilliant double save in the first period to deny Kris Boyd’s free-kick and the rebound effort. Didn’t have much to do from there on. Distribution was spot on.
James Tavernier – 6/10
Showed a little more restraint in his forward forays than usual and as a result, he did not have the same effect in the attacking half of the pitch. Was fairly untroubled at the back.
David Bates – 8/10
Starred for Rangers in what was his last home game for the club. Returning to the starting XI for the first time since March, the defender was solid as a rock, clearing away everything that came his way. Headed home the late winner.
Russell Martin – 6/10
Retained in the starting line-up despite a series of shoddy displays, the on-loan Norwich City defender fared better than how he had done in recent weeks, alongside Bates.
Andy Halliday – 4/10
Handed a start once again at left-back in Declan John’s absence, the midfielder struggled once again. Gave away possession and his passing was poor. Suspect display.
Graham Dorrans – 5/10
Starting in the two-man midfield, the 31-year-old was a subdued presence in the first period. Moved into an advanced role after the break but did not improve much.
Jason Holt – 6/10
The 26-year-old did the basics right in the middle of the park without particularly standing out. Used the ball well but did not concede possession. However, he lacked that quality to break open the Killies defence.
Daniel Candeias – 5/10
The Portuguese winger was way below his best on Saturday as he was unable to offer much penetration down the right flank. Even when he got into positions, the final ball let him down.
Jason Cummings – 4/10
Anonymous. Was subbed off at half-time.
Jamie Murphy – 6.5/10
Was denied by a brilliant save from the Killies keeper in the first period. Tried hard to get in behind the visitors’ defence but did not always enjoy success. End product too wasn’t always up to the mark.
Alfredo Morelos – 5/10
The Colombian striker, returning to the starting XI, began pretty dourly as he hardly struck up an understanding with Cummings. Looked a bit lively after the break but couldn’t make much of an impact.
Substitutes
Ross McCrorie – 6/10
Came on for Cummings at half-time. Almost found the net after coming on. Solid and effective in the middle.
Sean Goss – 6/10
Replaced Holt in the 74th minute. Set up the winning goal for Bates from his free-kick.