Full Time: Rangers 2-1 Hearts
Rangers moved to second place in the Scottish Premiership table after they defeated Hearts 2-1 at the Ibrox Stadium on Sunday.
Two minutes into the second period, the Gers found the breakthrough as on-loan striker Jason Cummings slotted into the net after being teed up by Daniel Candeias. The Portuguese winger then got himself on the scoresheet, heading in from a Jamie Murphy cross in the 63rd minute to make it 2-0.
However, Hearts were back into the game as captain Christophe Berra headed in 9 minutes later to halve the deficit. Soon, Kyle Lafferty came close to equalising but saw his effort hit the woodwork. Graeme Murty’s men managed to hold on to their slender lead during the closing stages of the game and go past Aberdeen in the table, courtesy of better goal difference.
Rangers Player Ratings
Jak Alnwick – 5.5/10
Stepping in between the sticks for the injured Wes Foderingham, Alnwick did not have a whole lot to do between the sticks. A gaffe in the second period almost let Hearts back into the game. Should have done better for Berra’s strike.
James Tavernier – 6.5/10
Major improvement in his performance. The captain showed greater intent and purpose going forward and defended stoutly. Faded a little after his team went two up but remained alert when needed.
Ross McCrorie – 6/10
A much better display compared to his capitulation against Celtic last week. The youngster looked more composed and confident but he did have a few nervy moments when the visitors pushed forward.
Russell Martin – 6/10
Apart from a mistake in the second period that didn’t cost his side much, the on-loan defender was fairly solid alongside McCrorie on Sunday.
Declan John – 6/10
The Welsh full-back displayed great energy as he stormed up and down the left flank but the final ball wasn’t always up to the mark. Was exposed at the back on a couple of occasions.
Jason Holt – 6.5/10
Handed a rare start ahead of Greg Docherty, Holt did a decent job in the middle of the park, making sure Hearts never really broke away in the attacks. Covered a lot of ground, worked hard but needs to impact the game a little more in the final third.
Graham Dorrans – 7/10
A strong and commanding display in the middle, from the former Norwich City man. Strong in challenges, used the ball intelligently and kept the Gers ticking.
Daniel Candeias – 8/10
Did well to set Cummings up for the opening goal and took his goal brilliantly, leaving the Hearts keeper with no chance. Ran at the visitors’ defence and caused plenty of problems.
Josh Windass – 4/10
Starting the game as the No.10, the 17-goal Englishman failed to have any sort of impact on the game. Never really got into the game and needs to step up in a big way in the final few games.
Jamie Murphy – 8.5/10
The best player in the pitch at the Ibrox on Sunday, the loanee was the Gers’ brightest spark going forward. His brilliant cross led to Candeias teeing up Cummings for the first goal before he assisted the Portuguese with another sublime ball. Had a couple of chances to score.
Jason Cummings – 6.5/10
Dealt with well by the Hearts backline in the first-half, the Nottingham Forest loanee started off the second period by breaking the deadlock with a smart finish.
Substitutes
Andy Halliday – N/A
On for Windass with fifteen minutes left to be played.
Alfredo Morelos – N/A
Replaced Cummings in the 86th minute.
Michael O’Halloran – N/A
Came on for Candeias in injury time to make his first appearance in over a year.
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