Rangers 0 v 1 AEK Athens-Match Report (inc Video)31 July 2010, 9:05 amRangers finished the Sydney Festival with a 1-0 defeat at the hands of AEK Athens. However there was much to be pleased with as Rangers dominated the majority of the game, but a serious lack of a cutting edge will surely be a worry for Walter. A penalty box striker must be a priority for the upcoming season.
Rangers started with a strong starting XI in the now familiar 4-1-4-1 formation. Allan McGregor returned in goal, while Bougherra replaced the injured Webster in the centre of defence. Athens started better on a pitch still bearing the scars from Wednesday’s deluge and nearly scored on 10 minutes wheen a free kick ha McGregor scrambling across his goal.. It took Rangers 20 minutes to create anything of note, and Kenny Miller twice came within inches of getting on the end of wonderful Steven Whittaker crosses. On half an hour Kyle Lafferty was replaced by John Fleck, and the youngster made a difference as we finished the half strongly. Weir missed an open goal after the Greek keeper misjudged a corner, but Uncle Davie headed wide. We should have been ahead just before half time but Edu & Bougherra failed to convert sitters. We had a great penalty shout right on HT when Whittaker was clipped from behind, but the referee waved it away.
The second half continued the way the first period had ended with Rangers very much on top. There were several half chances, but worringly we looked powderpuff in front of goal. Athens were playing very much second fiddle but took the lead on 70 minutes through substitute Nathan Burns. I’m afraid the last 20 minutes are a mystery as the feed died.
Defensively we were sound again, and there were lots of good performances. My MOTM on this occasion is Steven Davis.
TEAM: (4-1-4-1): McGregor, Whittaker, Bougherra, Weir, Broadfoot, McCulloch, Naismith, Davis, Edu, Lafferty (Fleck), Miller (Little). Subs not used: McMillan, Wylde, Ness, Perry, Alexander.
Source: DoTheBouncy.com
