The last time Rangers met Partick Thistle they were flying high and heading for an historic quadruple but were caught cold at Ibrox with their 1-1 draw resulting in a replay that started the well talked about fixture pile up that arguably cost Rangers their season.
This year Rangers travel to Firhill in the Co-op Insurance Cup third round with no prospect of a fixture pile up but in desperate need of a trophy to make up for European disappointment.
Rangers make three changes from Saturday’s 2-1 home win over Motherwell. Christian Dailly, DeMarcus Beasley and Kenny Miller miss out as Sasa Papac, Nacho Novo and Jean-Claude Darcheville come in.
Partick Thistle are flying high in the Irn Bru Scottish first division, just two points off leaders Livingston and they’ll be no pushovers.
It didn’t take Rangers long to assert their dominance, looking capable of walking through the Thistle defence with Pedro Mendes pulling the strings for the away side. The Portuguese midfielder has been a revelation North of the border since his £3 million move from Portsmouth.
The Jags weathered the early storm of that included seven Rangers efforts inside the first ten minutes and were unlucky themselves when they had a 15th minute effort ruled out for offside. Replays indicated it was a tough decision on Thistle.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 25th minute and it was a contender for goal of the season. Steven Davis floated a long ball over the top and Kris Boyd volleyed it hard and high into the net.
An incredible strike. Honestly do yourself a favour and check it out on you tube tomorrow.
The first division outfit showed their character by hitting straight back. Steve McEwan turning skillfully on the edge of the box and drawing a fine save from Neil Alexander. The home side looked impressive going forward and equalized after a loose Rangers pass was snapped up in midfield by the home side before McEwan was played in and the midfielder made no mistake, burying his strike in the bottom corner.
Suddenly it was Rangers on the back foot as Partick’s young side sniffed an upset.
It was Rangers though that should have gone into half time in front. Darcheville showed great pace to beat his marker in sprint that took him half the length of the park. The Frenchman then played in Novo who with only the keeper to beat smashed his shot high into the stand.
A thoroughly enjoyable first half and great advert for Scottish football.
The second half started much like the first ended with a fired up Partick taking the game to Rangers. Kirk Broadfoot was even forced to clear off his own goal line as Thistle continually played balls into dangerous areas in and around the box.
The game soon hit a lull as both teams faded back into their own half’s as the long ball took over. Rangers needed a wake up and DeMarcus Beasley replaced Darcheville as the American aimed to boost his fitness after a long injury lay off last season.
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3 months ago
nice recap Andrew, speaking of good strikes, did you see Eto'o and his first goal against Betis? rocket. Good to see Alexander is continuing to show his prowess between the sticks. Keepers are as important as strikers most of the time. (maybe not in 8-0 drubbings and the like).
Ally McCoist was one of the only Scottish players I had heard of as a youngster, a Scottish footballing great.
from 3 months ago
Thanks for the fan add Illya. I'll go and see if I can find it on youtube now. Yeah Alexander has certainly going to get McGregor working hard.
McCoist was my hero growing up even though he only played for Rangers until I was not much older than ten. That's when hero's are made I suppose. I went to see his European golden boot at Ibrox at xmas. awesome.
3 months ago
good recap Andrew. Rangers, are a good side..just inconsistent and unconvincing at times.
from 3 months ago
Thanks Salaar. Early days yet but we are improving (never easy going away to lower league sides).
3 months ago
good recap andrew. good to see an article on the cis cup and not just the spl. i was thinking of doing a cis cup round-up but i couldn't as i just didn't have the time unfortunately.
from 3 months ago
Thanks Yoosof. I just recap games I actually see as obviously it's kind of hard if you don't lol and with my lack of sky/setanta I have to survive on bbc scraps haha
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