Rangers come out on top of Old Firm

Against all odds, the Rangers defeated Celtic 1-0 to take a two point lead in the SPL race with three weeks remaining in the campaign. The result was as outstanding as the comeback in which Celtic appeared to be sailing clear in the early spring. Given the split schedule the Scottish Premier League uses the Gers remaining schedule is far from an easy one but they are definitely in the pole position to end Celtic three year hold on the crown.

The only significant change to the lineup was Kenny Miller's return to the starting eleven with Lithuanian international Andrius Velička pushed to the bench. The addition of Scottish international to the fold proved vital as his attacking pulse showed early on and ultimately it was his cross that led to Stephen Davis plunking in the winner eight minutes before the break.

To the surprise of many the pacing of the Old Firm derby stepped away from the expected plow like approach and was decidedly up-tempo. With both sides choosing to "win" the match, opportunities began to emerge with Shunsuke Nakamura forcing the best out of by Gers 'keeper Neil Alexander. Moments later a Steven Whittaker attempt rang off the post and the back and forth pace continued until seven minutes past the half-hour when Kris Boyd's provision to Kenny Miller resulted in fine cross being sent pass Celtic's Artur Boruc by Steven Davis. Prior to the break Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink came within a whisper of equalizing the match however Steven Davis proved to be up to the task on the other end as he cleared the former PSV man's header off the line. After the break Kris Boyd's misfortune in the Old Firm as he was unable to close the day out on two separate occasions yet Celtic equally were denied by a morsel of fate. As the match turned to this final quarter-hour Aiden McGeady beaded down on the leveler but his effort rattled the woodwork before falling to safety. Without further the mark concluded with Rangers victorious and head towards Hibernian on Wednesday with the championship before them.

Scottish Premier League week 15

Week 15 of the Scottish Premier League concluded with Celtic proudly holding the top spot with a 3-1 victory over St Mirren 3-1. Goals by international stars Georgios Samaras (Greece) and Shunsuke Nakamura (Japan) led the charge with Irish teenager Cillian Sheridan finishing off for good measure (full report here).

To those who think you can keep Craig Brewster's side down, guess again as Caley Thistle fought hard for a 2-1 victory over Kilmarnock, despite last minute heroics by Killie thrown aside with Mehdi Taouil's dreadful penalty miss as time wound down. (full report here)

Aberdeen played a brilliant match but succumbed to the Rangers 2-0 (Aberdeen report here)(Rangers report here)

Hamilton was heartbroken with 1-1 against Dundee Utd as a unfortunate own goal deep into added time. The match will be remembered for highly questionable referring as it the visiting Accies were a man down for the final ten minutes with Simon Mensing sent off for an altercation away from the ball.

Finally Hearts defeated Falkirk 2-1 and Hibernian roared back to the win column with a 4-1 drubbing of Motherwell.


And don't forget next Saturday when the SPL returns with

Inverness CT @ Celtic
Motherwell @ Aberdeen
Rangers @ Hearts
Dundee Utd @ St Mirren
Kilmarnock @ Hamilton
Hibernian @ Falkirk

	P	W	D	L	GS	GA	Pts
Celtic	15	13	1	1	39	15	40
Rangers	15	11	3	1	34	11	36
Hearts	15	8	2	5	17	18	26
Dundee Utd	15	6	5	4	20	17	23
Hibernian	15	5	4	6	19	22	19
Kilmarnock	15	6	1	8	14	21	19
Aberdeen	15	5	3	7	15	18	18
Inverness Caley Thistle	15	5	2	8	17	22	17
Motherwell	15	5	2	8	17	23	17
Falkirk	15	4	4	7	18	21	16
St Mirren	15	3	3	9	10	19	12
Hamilton	15	3	2	10	13	26	11

Aberdeen comes to Ibrox

Rangers face a very tough challenge as Aberdeen comes to Ibrox Saturday afternoon. While the Dons manager Jimmy Calderwod is aware the problems the club has had at Ibrox, they won't back down:

"I think it has been 17 years without a win there but there are many teams who have not won at Ibrox for 50 years. It has been a long, long wait but hopefully Saturday will be the day we get that win."

Aberdeen chances could be hampered with sharpshooter Darren Mackie doubtful and facing a pre-match. If injured he will join Tommy Wright, Jamie Smith, Bertrand Bossu and Stuart Duff who are all out. They possess a wealth of talent including Lee Miller, Charlie Mulgrew and young gun Chris Maguire, who fills every supporter of Scottish Football with hope.

Walter Smith knows he can't look ahead of Aberdeen:

"They give us difficult games at Ibrox. I do think Aberdeen raise their game against us there's no doubt about that. Tomorrow's game is a big one for us. We've had a few midweek games recently and then when we do have a break the players disappear on international duty. But we have decent home form and we would hope to keep that going. Aberdeen's form away from home has been good and I think they have more points on the road than they do at home."

Rangers will be missing Kenny Miller, Saša Papac, Madjid Bougherra to injury and Steven Davis is expected out due to family issues.

I will report on the match as it concludes.

Barry Ferguson and Allan McGregor to start for Scotland!

George Burley revealed that ahead of Scotland's friendly against Argentina, Barry Ferguson and Allan McGregor are in the starting grid. Speaking specifically of Barry Ferguson he said:

"Barry is going to start, and we will have a look at it. It's good to have him back, and we are pleased he is fit again. But we will see how it goes."

The Rangers skipper commented:

"It's obviously a game that everyone in the squad, not just myself, is desperate to play in. Argentina are one of the best teams about and have some fantastic players. When I found out we were going to be playing them, it was one of the games I was desperate to get back and get involved in - and thankfully my rehab has gone well."

a less than spectacular victory over St Mirren

The Rangers defeated St Mirren 2-1 at Ibrox is less-than spectacular display by the Gers. After opening up a two goal advantage with Kris Boyd's strike five minutes from the start and Steven Davis following up five minutes later, the Rangers looked to be in the mood for a blowout but the Saints showed tremendous resolve and fought back. St Mirren 'keeper Mark Howard certainly could make claim for man-of-the-match as he kept his club close with a series of superb saves. After the two goal cushion he shut down the considerable challenge the Rangers had and with nine minutes remaining, Craig Dargo back-heel to Franco Miranda was driven to the back of the net. With the margin only one, the Saints saw the opportunity to grab a point and pushed forward. Late heroics by Scotland international Allan McGregor saved the day for the Rangers and he denied the Saints attempts the Rangers came out with the 2-1 victory and three points.

The Rangers return to SPL action next week against Aberdeen, four points behind top of the table Celtic

Four Rangers honoured

George Burley has announced his selections for Scotland's friendly against Argentina, which includes Rangers Allan McGregor, Kenny Miller, Kirk Broadfoot and Barry Ferguson.

When asked of the selection of Barry Ferguson, Walter Smith commented:

"He's fit enough now, but he's obviously going to be short of match fitness and it will be doubtful if he would play for 90 minutes if selected. But I think George just wants him back and involved with the group. He is captain of the country and he has been out injured and has missed the international games while George has been there. The national team will be a decent thing for him at the moment to be quite honest. This will be a step in the right direction for him."

To represent your homeland might be the greatest honour in the game and it great to see these men represent Scotland.

Rangers roll over Kilmarnock 4-0

Rangers rolled to a strong 4-0 victory over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park today. However the match was definitely the tale of two different halves as prior to the break, the home side had performed admirably, kept the Gers off the score-sheet and put forth a series of aggressive challenges. Just before the half-hour mark Kris Boyd was awarded a penalty and choosing to take it himself, he was denied with a splendid stop by the Killie 'keeper Allan Combe.

With the score level at that half, the second act of the match began as the Rangers acted with a flourish. Five minutes after the restart David Weir headed in a Kevin Thomson corner and only four minutes later Kenny Miller provided Kris Boyd the perfect set-up with the embattled striker doubling the lead. The spirit of the match slowed with the two goal margin and the Gers added two late goals to skew the result. With three minutes remaining Kenny Miller added his name to the score-sheet, heading in a Steven Davis cross and Steven Whittaker added a highlight film goal, volleying-in Kirk Broadfoot as time wound down.

The Gers have a short-week and face Motherwell on Wednesday.

Dundee United comes up big against Rangers

Dundee United put forth a brilliant effort at Ibrox forcing the Rangers to come from behind to earn a tough 3-3 draw. Steven Davis gave the Rangers the early lead at the eleven minute mark but United's Morgaro Gomis set-up Francisco Sandaza only six minutes later to draw the match level. At the twenty-eighth minute Scott Robertson's drive wasn't dealt with properly by Allan McGregor and Francisco Sandaza was the perfect predator in scooping up the rebound and sending the ball to the back of the net. Eight minutes before the break Saša Papac brought the goal-fest level and he pulled in a Nacho Novo pass. The scoring continued and just before the hour mark Paul Dixon channeled Rory Delap with a long throw-in and Scott Robertson deposited it in the net to give Dundee United the 3-2 lead. With Ibrox unsettled, the Rangers went on the hunt to bring the match even and just as it was seeming like they were going down to a defeat, Kevin Thomson scored in the dying moments from twenty meters out to bring the match to its final 3-3 scoreline.

The Rangers return to SPL action on Sunday against Kilmarnock.

Dundee Utd visits Ibrox

Dundee Utd comes to Ibrox later today in the make-up match that was originally postponed with the passing of Eddie Thompson. After an early season slump Craig Levein's club is in the midst of a five match unbeaten string and slowly creeping up the table. For the match they will be without Roy O'Donovan who is in the sin-bin and top-scorer Jon Daly. The Gers are riding high after dismantling Caley Thistle on the weekend. They are fully-fit with the exception of Jean-Claude Darcheville who is out with an injury. Skipper Barry Ferguson is expected to be in the starting grid after a favourable second-half run-out on Saturday.

I will report on the match as it concludes.

Caley Thistle comes to Ibrox

Caley Thistle visit Ibrox Saturday morning to face the Rangers in a match that could mark the return of Gers captain Barry Ferguson to the lineup. Out due to an off-season ankle surgery, his recovery has went well and he will provide the club a major boost in a tough match.

As always Craig Brewster can expect inspired performances by Ross Tokely, Russell Duncan and Roy McBain as they wear the crest with pride and regardless of your allegiance they are impossible not to appreciate. In a sport where crests are traded as quickly as the bank-transfer clears, these men stand tall for Caley Thistle and will push them forward.

Both clubs are fully-fit with Rangers Steven Whittaker the only exception.

I will report on the match as it concludes.

SPL week 11

Leading into week eleven of the Scottish Premier League, Celtic has a firm three-point lead over the Rangers with the balance of the table packed firmly within only six points.

Of the many great story-lines this campaign the rise of Kilmarnock is one of the most exciting. Last year Jim Jefferies Killie stood only above Gretna, yet this year they have turned it around and now sit in third-place. This weekend they travel to to Aberdeen to face Jimmy Calderwood's Dons in a critically important match for both clubs. In the past Pittodrie Stadium has been a fortress for them but this year their normal stingy record at home has fallen.

Elsewhere on Saturday the Hamilton Accies visit Motherwell. The great start of Billy Reid's Accies' in a distant memory as they have dropped five straight matches and their promising offensive attack has lost pace and confidence. The 'Well are coming off a tough win over Caley Thistle and showing signs of returning to last years form. Young striker David Clarkson screams promise and looks capable of becoming a fixture for Scotland.

Don't miss out on these other exciting SPL matches this weekend:

Dundee Utd @ Falkirk
Inverness Caley Thistle @ Rangers
Hibernian @ St Mirren
Celtic @ Hearts

	P	W	D	L	GS	GA	Pts
Celtic	10	8	1	1	27	13	25
Rangers	9	7	1	1	18	7	22
Kilmarnock	10	5	1	4	11	11	16
Dundee Utd	9	4	2	3	12	10	14
Hearts	10	4	2	4	12	15	14
Hibernian	10	4	2	4	12	15	14
Motherwell	10	4	1	5	14	16	13
Aberdeen	10	3	2	5	9	12	11
St Mirren	10	3	2	5	8	11	11
Inverness Caley Thistle	10	3	1	6	12	13	10
Falkirk	10	3	1	6	14	17	10
Hamilton	10	3	0	7	10	19	9

Rangers face Hamilton Accies in League Cup

After defeating Hamilton in league action 3-1 this Saturday, the Accies have a chance for pay-back as they head to Ibrox in the Scottish League Cup later today.

Maurice Edu is expect to take the place of Kevin Thomson who is doubtful with an ankle problem whilst the skipper Barry Ferguson will be held back till the weekend. The Accies will be without Mark McLaughlin to injury, with Martin Canning and Simon Mensing who is in the sin-bin.

In facing the Gers at Ibrox, Accie boss Billy Reid noted:

"We'll look forward to going to Ibrox for the first occasion for many a year and meet the challenge head on."

I will report on the match as it concludes.

Hamilton give the Rangers a scare

After nearly three weeks off the Rangers needed a bit of time to dust off the cob-webs before getting down to business against Hamilton. Spotting the Accies the opening goal, the Rangers came back with three unanswered strikes for a convincing 3-1 triumph.



The start was anything but clinical as Hamilton's Brian Easton flicked-on Alex Neil's free-kick five minutes shy of the hour in what can be described as dismal marking on a set-piece. However four minutes shy of the hour the Gers were awarded a penalty kick as veteran Mark McLaughlin was adjudged to pulling down Kenny Miller. The call will be considered as subjective by many however embattled Kris Boyd stepped up to the spot and calmly leveled the match. Staying within an unbiased opinion, five minutes after the break Rangers benefited from another dubious call as Kris Boyd was clearly offside on a Steven Davis cross before he headed it to the back of the net. With ten minutes remaining Nacho Novo, who contrary to his teammate Mr. Boyd, is anxious to wear the colours of beautiful Scotland, pounced on an unforced error to bring the match to its final 3-1 scoreline.

The Rangers and the Accies meet up this Tuesday in the Scottish League Cup at Ibrox.

Rangers over Hibernian 3-0

Rangers regained their three-point lead at the top of the table with a 3-0 victory over Hibernian on the strength of Kenny Miller's brace. Hib's controlled much of the play before the mark but were unable to capitalize. At the thirty-first minute a Kirk Broadfoot cross was headed-in by Kenny Miller to give the 'Gers the lead and they never looked back. Nine minutes later he got the second of his goals, curling in a strike from twenty meters off a splendid back-heel from Kirk Broadfoot. Hibernian did not wilt as they continued to press for a goal but Madjid Bougherra re-directed a Kevin Thomson free-kick for the third goal of the match with seventeen minutes left in the match.

The Old Firm

As expected, the Old Firm was a hot-tempered affair with both clubs finishing one-man down and Rangers stunning Celtic with a resounding 4-2 victory.















Surprise starter Daniel Cousin threaded a shot in at the thirty-seventh minute from a ridiculously tight angle to give Rangers a one goal margin. However Greek international Georgios Samaras leveled the score a few minutes later when he pounced on a bad clearance from Sasa Papac and slotted home a goal from five or so meters. The pace of the second half was hot and heavy and Kenny Miller gave the Rangers the lead again seven minutes after the break when he converted on a Charlie Adam cross. Pedro Mendes added to the lead when rocketed a shot past Artur Boruc to the bottom corner, who was having a uncharacteristically bad day, some twenty meters out at the sixty-second minute. By the seventy-sixth minute, tempers flared and both Daniel Cousin and Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink were shown red-cards. Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink’s mental lapse was particularly costly as it was more of a retribution type when they had a one man advantage. At the seventy-ninth minute Artur Boruc’s nightmare day continued when he bobbled a volley and Kenny Miller netted the rebound for his second of the day. Deep into added time Shunsuke Nakamura struck a academy-lesson on how to strike a free-kick. To say it was a thing of beauty is an understatement.














This was a great victory for the Rangers and while this leaves them in a celebratory mood, they must remain composed and focus upon one match at a time. This is a long season and championships are not won in August.

Celtic: Boruc, Hinkel, Caldwell, McManus, Wilson (Hutchinson 84), Nakamura, Hartley (Robson 72), Scott Brown, McGeady, Maloney, Samaras (Vennegoor of Hesselink 72).
Subs Not Used: Mark Brown, Crosas, Loovens, O’Dea.

Sent Off: Vennegoor of Hesselink (76). Booked: McManus, Samaras.

Goals: Samaras 39, Nakamura 90.

Rangers: McGregor, Broadfoot, Weir, Bougherra, Papac, Davis, Pedro Mendes, Thomson, Adam (Novo 78), Cousin, Miller.
Subs Not Used: Alexander, Edu, Dailly, Lafferty, Niguez, McMillan.

Sent Off: Cousin (75). Booked: Thomson, Cousin, Adam, McGregor, Broadfoot.

Goals: Cousin 37, Miller 52, Pedro Mendes 62, Miller 79.