RM Match Report: Clyde 0-2 Rangers

[DarcheVinny 1,003]

http://www.rangersme...:sfl&Itemid=515

RANGERS have finally ended their away day hoodoo, with a win away to Clyde to maintain their position at the top of the SFL Division 3.

ALLY MCCOIST made two changes to his side with Alexander in goal; a defence of Hegarty, Perry, Cribari and Wallace; a midfield trio of Black, Hutton and MacLeod; and a forward line of Shiels, McCulloch and Little.

Broadwood Stadium only has three sides to it, with only half of one stand going to the home fans, it didn't feel like much of an away game for the Rangers fans who had made the short journey to Cumbernauld.

Rangers started the match on the front foot with early chances for captain McCulloch and Andy Little and the boystrous away support only had to wait 17 minutes for a goal.

The Ulsterman found himself with the ball on the far left of the box and cleverly cut inside before curling a stunning effort in to the far corner.

Rangers had the lead and the fans were singing loud and proud.

The rest of the first half became a scrappy affair, with Rangers not really able to breakdown their opponents, as well as falling asleep when they had possession in their own half.

The hosts should have equalised on 36 minutes, but thankfully for the tracksuit wearing McCoist, McCluskey's effort was wide of the post. A huge let off.

The half ended with the score still at 1-0, despite the best efforts of the two Lee's (Wallace and McCulloch) but Clyde were hanging on.

Clyde made the better start to the second half with Neil Alexander twice called in to action, but the experienced 'keeper wasn't going to give a clean sheet away very easily.

That man McCulloch was battling away through the middle and had a decent shout for a penalty on 49 minutes, which was ignored by the referee, much to the frustration of McCulloch - especially when a foul was awarded to Clyde moments later for a similar challenge!

There were further chances for Shiels and McCulloch - the latter of which must have felt he was never going to score - before the hosts were reduced to ten men.

Dean Shiels tackled a Clyde man from behind, with Clyde's John Neil taking exception to the challenge, raising his hand to Shiels. Neil was awarded his second yellow card of the match and was given his marching orders. Shiels also went in to the book for the original challenge.

Barrie McKay was the first man to come off the Rangers bench, replacing goalscorer Shiels on 69 minutes.

10 minutes later Super Lee McCulloch finally managed to hit the back of the net, after brilliant work in the Clyde box by Ian Black whose cut back off a deep MacLeod cross found McColloch's boot. Big Jig didn't look like he knew too much about it but he wasn't complaining and the captain celebrated his 14th goal of the campaign.

This second goal will have been a huge relief for the manager, as Clyde had not been short of chances to level the scores.

With Clyde down to ten men and Rangers with a two goal cushion, the game was all but over.

Emilson Cribari made way for Anestis Argyriou, followed shortly after by Andy Little being replaced by Fraser Aird.

There were late chances for McCulloch who grazed the bar and Ian Black with a long range effort, but Rangers comfortably saw the game out and the final whistle brought a great cheer from the Rangers support.

After the match Ally McCoist was more than pleased to have broken the away day hoodoo when speaking to the official Rangers website.

"I was delighted with the result and for the vast majority of the game I was delighted with the way we played.

We scored a wonderful first goal and Lee McCulloch just kept going. I said to him that in that position even when you think it’s not going to be your day you’ll get a chance.

We started better and it’s important that the boys realise that we must start the game at a high tempo and a good pace. There is still obviously room for improvement in areas, but overall I’m pleased."

Three points away from home, a clean sheet and top of the league - that'll do for this bear.

[J_RFC87 762]

Glad to get the three points