Rangers 3 Clyde 0: First and second class as Templeton delivers at Ibrox

Sports writer

Thursday 27 December 2012

The scoreline was comprehensive enough for Rangers, but it was mostly the work of one individual.

David Templeton, left, is congratulated by Barrie McKay after putting Rangers two up yesterday. Picture: Jeff Holmes/SNS

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Richard Wilson at Ibrox

Aspects of the team's display would have irked Ally McCoist, but the Ibrox manager was obliged to focus on the performance of David Templeton afterwards. The attacker had created one goal and scored another with flashes of brilliant accomplishment. "That's what he brings to us," said McCoist, "he makes something happen."

Templeton was capable of deploying skill and imagination. With his quick feet and ball control, he tends to excite supporters, and the crowd were drawn to his performance even before he made a decisive impact. He created the opening goal then scored the second and both involved elements of trickery. The former Hearts winger's middle name is Cooper, after the late Davie Cooper, and McCoist was asked afterwards if there are traits Templeton shares with the manager's late, great friend and former team-mate."He certainly sees things like Davie used to do," McCoist said. "When the ball comes to players like that, they are aware of what is going on around them. That in itself is a talent. I am not in any way, shape or form making a comparison between the two, but Temps definitely sees things early on the park."Clyde were not initially overwhelmed, but then their approach was to try to contain Rangers. The visitors flooded the midfield, with even their lone striker, Kevin Watt, often dropping deep. The ploy was to complicate the game for their hosts, since Rangers then had to pick their way through the congestion. Clyde could feel satisfied in the early stages, because Rangers' approach was generally too casual. There was enough irritation for McCoist to impatiently urge his team to raise their tempo.His face told of the frustration he felt. The team were playing competently, but the lax attitude meant that chances were seldom created. The atmosphere was also muted as a result, but individuals could still rise to prominence. Playing in a central role, Templeton revelled in being so close to the hubbub of the game.

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Rangers 3 Clyde 0: First and second class as Templeton delivers at Ibrox

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