Tuesday 20 November 2012

Weekend Goal Glut, Andy Little, Sandy Jardine.



Rangers stay top of the SFL Third Division, opening up a five-point cushion on the chasing pack after inflicting a comprehensive 6-2 away win at East Stirlingshire over the weekend.

Due credit to the hosts however, as they twice came from behind to level things up, nevertheless a rampant Rangers side would not be denied a second league away win on the bounce.

With goals from Lee McCulloch, Andy Little, Lee Wallace, Kevin Kyle, Kal Naismith and a second despatched by captain McCulloch from the penalty spot concluded the goal glut.

Amongst the goals for the first time in almost three months was striker Andy Little.
Returning to the first team in the last few games, after a lengthy lay off with a foot injury, the Northern Ireland international was delighted the wait was over to add to his seasons goal tally.


Speaking to the clubs official website, the 23 year old said; “I missed a good few games which was disappointing and I’ve been a little bit annoyed I’ve not got on the scoresheet in the last few games.

“From that point of view, I was just relieved to find the net and hopefully I can kick on again now.

“As I’ve said from the start of the season is I want to play as much as I can and get 30 or 40 games under my belt.

“But it’s good to get a few goals as well and that was a good thing today. My foot has been a bit of an issue for me but I wore a padded sock in the game, which helped.

“I’ve had a few scans and although my foot isn’t completely okay, the bad injury we feared might be there isn’t and I’m able to play on so hopefully I’ll get stronger.”

Finally, in the last couple of days it has been revealed that former Ger’s right back Sandy Jardine is being treated for cancer.

Jardine, made over 500 appearances for the light blues, whilst also amassing 38 caps for Scotland. Sandy currently works for the club after playing and then managing Hearts.

In an official club statement, the 63 year old said; "I would like to thank everyone for their best wishes and kind support,"

"As you can appreciate this is a difficult time for me and my family and I ask that you respect our privacy."

The Rangers footballing community have stated they will support Jardine and his family through the treatment process.

"There is little doubt he will fight this disease in the same way he fought bravely in every match he featured as a player and our thoughts are with him and his family at this difficult time," the club stated.

I’m sure everyone, not just Rangers supporters will wish Sandy Jardine a speedy recovery.


Tuesday 13 November 2012

Captain Fantastic nets 17th of season as Ger’s stay top



Rangers Captain Lee McCulloch helped his side on their way with the first of two goals without reply at home to Peterhead, Lee Wallace adding a second on sixty-six minutes in front of a 48,000 strong Ibrox crowd.

Speaking to the clubs official website, Manager Ally McCoist was pleased with the victory;

“Outwith a scare in the first couple of minutes, I thought we were fairly solid and with the greatest of respect, I would have settled for everything we’ve got today.

“We gave an efficient, solid performance, scored a couple of well-worked goals and got a wee break or two as well.

“With the way things have been going, including our two centre-halves hobbling off the pitch at training yesterday, I have to say I’m absolutely delighted with our day’s work.

With solid performances from the academy players that could be observed again by spectators, McCoist added; “It really is great the supporters are getting to see some of the youths coming through from Murray Park.


 “But it’s only good if we continue to win and get promoted. That’s the target and that is what we have to do. I did say beforehand that one of the positives to come from our negative situation is we’d get to see some of the younger lads who have come from the academy.’’

“Even guys like Kal Naismith, who I thought did very well when he came on today during the short time he was on, are gaining experience. That’s a big, big plus for us.

“We’ve got an unbelievably young team and they’re playing again guys, especially this afternoon, who have a bit of experience at a higher level but they’re doing well.”

The result consolidates the Ger’s atop the SFL Third tier, with a two point cushion and a far superior goal difference to that of closest challengers Elgin City who have amassed nineteen points, however playing a game more.

Next up for the light blues is an away trip to second from bottom East Stirlingshire, who back in August were on the wrong end of a 5-1 score line at Ibrox on the opening day of the season, which included an Andy Little hat trick.

Naturally the hosts will be looking for a different result, whilst Rangers will be hoping to add to their first league away win invoked at the hands of Clyde at the end of October.

The Ger’s will face second placed Elgin City on the road the following weekend.

Which places additional emphasis on taking all three points at Ochilview Park, to continue the momentum and the Ranger’s juggernaut moving forward.

Distancing themselves from other potential promotion candidates will be top priority going into the December run in.
This includes a Scottish Cup fourth round tie at home to Elgin City and five league fixtures.

Manager McCoist will be hoping for more of the same from his relatively young side, as the end of the year is not too far away.