The Rangers performance in Fraserburgh was a rather dull affair. The weather, heavy pitch and lack of real energy from the team made the game a very difficult one to watch. Thankfully, the result was good enough. Below are the ratings for the players as I saw them during the match:
JAK ALNWICK – 5
Alnwick had very little to do in terms of saves during the match. However, he did struggle with the pitch more than once, and his clearances almost caused some issues. A rather easy match overall for the keeper.
LEE HODSON – 5
Like many other players, Hodson didn’t look entirely comfortable. A lot of his forward passes went astray, and touches were poor. Defensively, he didn’t have a lot to do.
DAVID BATES – 4
Bates wasn’t put under any real pressure defensively. On the ball, though, he misplaced a lot of passes. As there was a lot of time on the ball at the back, the poor passing was more prominent. Had a shot blocked towards the end of the match.
FABIO CARDOSO – 5
Gave away a couple of daft fouls, but looked comfortable otherwise. Also had a few runs from defence, looking to open the game up, but they didn’t result in anything of note.
DECLAN JOHN – 6
Started the game quite slowly, but improved as it progressed. His final ball was poor very often, but he did get forward well and offer a continual outlet. He was also good at beating players with the ball at his feet.
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JASON HOLT – 6
Showing plenty of energy as always, Holt was hampered by the performance of the team. He’s the sort of player who tends to help others play well. Given the poor level most were showing, a lot of his efforts were in vain. Won the penalty for the opening goal with a great run, and was on the end of a few fouls.
ANDY HALLIDAY – 5
Halliday seemed to struggle with every element of his game. He was having to take an extra touch, his passing was poor, and he got caught on the ball a few times. Gave away fouls and lost possession in dangerous areas as well. Clearly not at his sharpest right now.
DANIEL CANDEIAS – 6
Candeias worked pretty hard, but was too often lax on the ball. He tried some flicks and backheels that never came off, and looked a little too relaxed. In the second half, he was more direct, but crosses never came off. Had a good chance late in the game which was saved by the keeper.
NIKO KRANJCAR – 7
Kranjcar was probably the main creative threat for Rangers on the night. A nice pass for Cummings led to an early chance, and it was his ball through which eventually saw Rangers win the penalty. He was involved in the other goals, and directly assisted Windass for the third. Unlucky not to score himself with a shot which hit the bar in the first half.
JOSH WINDASS – 8
In terms of all-round play, Windass was inconsistent. His runs often led to little, and he slowed the game down a lot with an extra touch. The three goals he scored were all well taken though. The penalty, and first time finish for the second, were good finishes, but his third was the pick of the bunch.
JASON CUMMINGS – 5
Cummings looked like a player just off the pace. The first two goals summed that up – it was his touch which got slightly away from him and led to Holt winning the penalty, and his poor shot which fell to Windass for the second. You’d be confident he’d score those chances himself on other days. When he dropped deep, he struggled to link up well as the conditions affected him.
EDUARDO HERRERA – 3
Brought on for Cummings, and had little time to make an impact.
JOE DODOO – 3
Similarly, Dodoo had little time to do anything, and the game was winding down. One good run halted by a foul was the extent of his influence.
JAMIE MURPHY – 2
Was eager to get involved in those last 10 minutes, but not able to as the team just played out the time.
Any ratings you disagree with? Tweet us @rangersnewsuk with your thoughts!