As it rolled to the 70-minute mark in Rangers’ hard-earned weekend victory over Motherwell at the weekend, the nerves were palpable even in an empty Ibrox.
Bluenoses across the country had frayed fingernails aplenty as the club looked to break down an unprecedented two banks of five against the Steelmen at Ibrox.
As Steven Robinson’s side looked to hold on to a 1-0 lead in Govan, the Gers plied their defence tirelessly in search of an equaliser and eventually a winner.
Those much-needed pressure relieving goals would eventually come through two summer signings as a substantial reported £6m investment bore fruit, and not for the first time.
The impressive Kemar Roofe would eventually fire the ball into the back of the net in the 73rd minute as it broke in the box before Cedric Itten would nod the Gers in front with eight minutes to go.
Roofe would then add some gloss to the victory as the ball broke to him in the box in injury time to restore the heart rates of Rangers fans everywhere.
It was a huge result in Rangers’ season, the thought of dropping points in the Scottish Premiership after losing in the Betfred Cup in midweek an eerie flashback to last February.
But the difference between then and now were the difference makers on the field.
Back in February – when Rangers’ season unravelled after the winter break – one result led to another and then to another as the Ibrox side’s mentality collapsed in the title race.
But back then the Gers had a distinct lack of firepower up front with Jermain Defoe toiling with injury and Alfredo Morelos, well, being Alfredo Morelos.
The accquistion of more firepower this season was essential and so far it is proving the difference between getting three points and none as the Gers look to haul the good feeling back at Ibrox.
As far as £6m investments go, the signing of £3.5m Kemar Roofe and £2.5m Cedric Itten [Scottish Sun] could be amongst the best in the club’s recent history as it secures a priceless three points in the title race.
It was a tough run out at Ibrox against Motherwell as Rangers managed a hard-fought victory; here’s our player ratings from the match.
