Rangers took on League 2 Dumbarton this evening in a game that weather dictated was never going to be one for the purists.
Before the first whistle, Gers boss Philippe Clement would have been content with progress and no more injuries to his squad with a huge game against Hibs on the horizon.
Rangers were always going to be in for a tough afternoon against Dumbarton given the conditions but who were the main men for Clement and who didn’t fancy? Here are your player ratings.
Rangers v Dumbarton – Player ratings
Here are how the Rangers players rated against Dumbarton
Robby McCrorie – 7
In for Jack Butland on the sort of day that he probably wishes that he could have taken his usual place on the bench given the weather.
Reacted well to recover from his own mistake and made a solid stop at 0-0.
James Tavernier – 8
Lovely clipped ball in for Cyriel Dessers and even the troubled striker couldn’t miss from close range.
Helped to keep the Dumbarton left penned in and was as clinical as usual from 12 yards.
Ridvan Yilmaz – 7
Growing in confidence in a Rangers shirt and was a willing runner down the left-hand side, played Dessers one v one with an inch perfect pass.
More than happy to have a shot himself if the space is there.
Connor Goldson – 7
Will be suspended for the trip to Easter Road so was always going to get a run out against Dumbarton.
Usual solid performance on a difficult night for defenders.
John Souttar – 8
Spent most of the game stepping into midfield to drag the opposition out of shape and create more space for John Lundstram.
Excellent flick-on for the midfielder to open the scoring.
John Lundstram – 7
No need for him to split the centre-hales tonight with most of his possession in the final third of the pitch.
Great run to the back post to get on the end of Souttar’s flick on for his first goal of the season.
Nicolas Raskin – 9
Offered the energy and pace needed against a team set up to destroy and be compact in a real all-action display.
Covered every blade of grass, drove out of defence, committed defenders and created some good opportunities as he demonstrated his full passing range.
Todd Cantwell – 7
It’s never easy to play one touch football and dribble on the equivalent of a ploughed field, it’s even harder when the defenders double up almost straight away.
Showed good leadership to take the corner that led to the opener off Ridvan to play an inswinger knowing that conditions would make it harder to defend.
Rabbi Matondo – 5
Should have put Rangers 1-0 against Dumbarton before 10 minutes were on the clock, he really needs to improve his shooting from inside the box.
Kept trying to make something happen with dribble pace causing Dumbarton problems, final ball and finishing not up to scratch though.
Ross McCausland – 7
Knows the pitch well having played umpteen games for the B team on a surface that is far from conducive to free flowing football.
Quiet game for the Northern Ireland international on a dodgy park for ball carriers, picked up an assist though.
Cyril Dessers – 5
Where do you start? Could have guaranteed the match ball before the 20th minute as he wasted a series of clear-cut opportunities.
Movement to get into positions was first class but his finishing was amateur at times.
Substitutes
Ryan Jack – 5
Looked like a player who hadn’t played for a while on a dodgy pitch in poor weather conditions.
Tom Lawrence – 6
Tried a few through balls and attacking passes but not much came off, intent was there though in a positive cameo.
Borna Barisic – 3
Didn’t look too happy 1v1 and made limited attempts to get forward.
Stupid foul for Dumbarton’s goal and then completely left his man to score.
Fabio Silva – 6
Welcome to Scotland. I doubt that the 21-year old forward has played in conditions as bad in his young career.
Looked sharp and showed good feet on more than one occasion, be great to see more chances being created for him.
Scott Wright – 6
Scored with his only touch, I’m sure he scores the same type of goal every time.
