McGhee shuffled the pack once more and we lined up with five changes from the last outing. Smith was back between the sticks but it was a very unusual formation in front of him. We had back three of Reynolds, Craigan and McLean with Malcolm taking up position behind the middle five which comprised Lappin, Fitzpatrick, McGarry, Hughes, and Lasley. McCormack was handed the solo striker role. Smith makes a fine first half save
We passed well in the first half and made a few chances but we were overwhelmed in the second period and eventually conceded to a
We weathered the early storm and Craigan showed his usual determination when he stopped D'Archville with a fine sliding challenge. Fitzpatrick did his bit to relieve the pressure with a fine run down the right wing and his effort was rewarded with a corner. After that we looked fairly comfortabe for the rest of the half. We would win possession and calmly pass the ball about looking for an opening. We had the occasional thrill. Hughes got to the dead ball line and found McCormack but he dragged it wide.
The second half was completely different. Their expected onslaught began right from the restart when Boyd glanced a header just off target. From then on Rangers made little attempt to pass forward, they resorted to the long ball and pushed us back.
We survived to the hour despite the barrage into the box and the manager made a change. Clarkson replaced McCormack and we adopted a 3-5-2 line up but the play remained in our defensive third.
It seemed inevitable that we would concede when Novo broke though with only the keeper to beat but Smith made a fine stop to keep the goal intact.
The tension was eased for a few mintes when McCoist got over enrthusiastic in trying to return the ball to the field before it had crossed the line! The referee called a bounced ball.
Our luck ran out a in seventy three minutes when
We have now three games left and still hold third place.