THIS wasn’t a win that will silence critics or win over doubters but it was an important one nonetheless for Rangers. It was hard-fought, yet it was also deserved.
The points earned here against Ross County – courtesy of Ryan Kent’s second half strike – won’t matter a great deal in terms of the Premiership title race. This was more about raising spirits and confidence levels ahead of a run that will see Steven Gerrard’s side face Bayer Leverkusen twice, either side of the Old Firm clash with Celtic at Ibrox.
Defeats to Hearts and Hamilton have ended Rangers’ silverware ambitions and raised questions about Gerrard and his players. The answers were not definitive in Dingwall but this was a small step in the right direction for a side that desperately needed a result.
Much of the focus in recent days has been on the Rangers defence, with James Tavernier and Connor Goldson in particular coming in for criticism from disgruntled fans. There was no place here for the captain as the knock he picked up against Accies ruled him out, but Goldson wore the armband just days after Gerrard had issued a passionate defence of the Englishman.
The goals Rangers conceded against Hearts and Accies were sloppy, to say the least, but there have been just as many issues at the other end of the park. Few chances were created at Tynecastle in a shot-shy display, while the plethora that were carved out in midweek were all passed up as another embarrassing result was recorded.
That had to change here but Rangers were once again unconvincing in the final third. Controlling the ball is one thing, but making it count is quite another and Rangers didn’t do nearly enough with it as passes were misplaced and crosses went astray.
When the wind swirled round the Global Energy Stadium and the rain began to lash down, it would have been understandable if the travelling Gers support had started to regret their early rise and journey to Dingwall. There was little to raise their spirits for much of the afternoon but their goal would eventually come.
Glen Kamara saw an effort saved by Ross Laidlaw in the opening minutes and the Finn, alongside Alfredo Morelos, couldn’t capitalise when the County keeper parried the ball back into the danger area following a well-struck strike from Kent.
Morelos is in the midst of his most difficult period of the campaign and was undoubtedly in need of a goal. A couple of half chances didn’t quite fall for him and he would head a Borna Barisic cross just wide.
Gerrard spoke about his side lacking ‘spark’ a few weeks ago as Rangers’ campaign started to unravel and the same accusation could be laid at them here as they toiled in front of goal.
They should, though, have had the chance to score from 12 yards. Liam Fontaine – earlier booked for a foul on Matt Polster – appeared to handle a low cross from the American but whistler Andrew Dallas waved away the Light Blues’ appeals.
The decision may have gone against Gerrard but the 39-year-old had more pressing issues as Rangers looked to avoid another goalless half of action and earn a much-needed win.
That ambition almost suffered a setback when County improved shortly after the break. Don Cowie nicked the ball from Aribo and set up Billy McKay but McGregor was equal to a powerful strike.
A side already shorn of belief and flair had once again found themselves in a similar situation. As the clock ticked on, Rangers threatened to become increasingly desperate while County grew in confidence.
Josh Mullin certainly wasn’t short of swagger. A driving run had Rangers on the backfoot and deserved better than the finish from Ross Stewart as he ballooned the ball high over the bar.
The next time Mullin charged at the Gers, he almost finished the move himself. Thankfully for Gerrard, his keeper was a match for Mullin’s strike after another incisive run.
County were right to fancy their chances but Rangers finally started to show some intent. A series of corners had County under pressure and Aribo was the closest to a goal as Iain Vigurs cleared his header on the line.
Florian Kamberi had looked bright after replacing Hagi earlier in the half and Jordan Jones was introduced for the final 15 minutes. It was the man on the opposite flank that broke the deadlock, though.
Kent had tried his luck from distance on a couple of occasions and not been rewarded. There was a bit of good fortune about this one but his effort, with the aid of a deflection, would beat Laidlaw and find the corner of the net.
It was the first Rangers goal since Kent struck in Braga. This one was very different, but it carried its own importance for Gerrard.
Rangers will at least return to the European arena on the back of a victory and their efforts here should raise spirits after a difficult and damaging few days.
A win over Leverkusen would be the ultimate shot in the arm but Gerrard will know as well as anyone just how difficult that task will be as he looks for levels to be raised once again.
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