George Overhill

Sat 4 February 2023 16:56, UK

Rangers held on to record a 2-1 win against Ross County in a victory which should have been far more comfortable but ended up in doubt.

A frustrating first half saw the Light Blues almost entirely dominant without threatening the goal enough, until they finally got it right in stoppage time when Alfredo Morelos and Todd Cantwell linked inside the box and the new arrival lifted a ball invitingly for stand-out Malik Tillman to head home.

Jordan White equalised against the run of play when he got ahead of Jon McLaughlin to nod the visitors level on 65 minutes and suddenly a comfortable if uninspired performance looked lacking, until Borna Barisic’s heavily deflected free kick restored the lead and the Gers hung on late.

Here, Ibrox News rates the Rangers players out of 10 for their performances at Ibrox.

Jon McLaughlin – 4

Preferred to Allan McGregor he didn’t inspire confidence, looking shaky under a high corner towards his far post in the opening exchanges. Largely wasn’t tested until he got a strong hand on a Nohan Kenneh shot after the hour. Then undid that good work by getting nowhere near the cross that saw White equalise, before doing exactly the same with another late corner which could have thrown away the win. Concerning.

James Tavernier – 6

Not his best game. Had a good opportunity when played in by Tillman in the first half, but he couldn’t match a great run with a finish. Got further and further forward as the game went on.

Connor Goldson – 6

Was fine for most of the afternoon, but he was beaten to the header for Ross County’s equaliser. The few forays towards the Rangers goal after the first few minutes were otherwise largely dealt with calmly by the defensive leader.

Ben Davies – 6

Badly mistimed a challenge midway through the first half to get booked and didn’t have a huge amount else to do.

Borna Barisic – 8

In an attacking sense he was outstanding and wasn’t too busy going back towards his own goal. Whatever the doubts over his defending there are few better at curling a cross into the box from the left flank, and picked out Morelos with a lovely one that was headed narrowly wide, then almost forced Jack Baldwin to score an own goal with another moments later. He was helped out massively with the deflection but it was fitting he scored the winner.

Ryan Jack – 7

Good at the base of the midfield alone once Lundstram went off. Almost unlocked the opener with a nice through-ball for Tillman early, and was otherwise always open to link the play together. Manned that area comfortably enough for most of the match that his manager might be minded to go for a more attacking midfield set up for home games in future, as long as his teammates further forward can make their dominance pay.

John Lundstram (off for Tillman ’11) – 5

A pretty miserable afternoon for the midfielder. His only contribution was a sloppy start that gifted the visitors a threatening early chance when his aimless pass across the midfield was intercepted and led to an opportunity for Eamonn Brophy. Was never able to make amends because he pulled up injured minutes later, then his replacement Tillman changed the game.

Todd Cantwell (off for Raskin ’83) – 7

Not hard to see why Michael Beale wanted him last month as he looks right at home in the Rangers midfield, pinging balls around with confidence, and tracks back to do defensive work. So close to a wonderful first in Light Blue colours when his shot from the edge of the box appeared to skim the top of the bar early, and it was his assist that finally broke the Ross County resistance.

Fashion Sakala (off for Kamara ’62) – 5

Wasn’t really at his best for most of the game, struggling to control the ball and link play, but showed he can be a threat at the drop of a hat when he burst past Alex Iacovitti and fired a ball in. Booked harshly inside an hour.

Ryan Kent (off for Wright ’83) – 6

Odd game. Made a couple of highly threatening forward bursts and almost scored a screamer with the scores level in the second half when his curler from the edge of the box hit the bar. but otherwise flitted in and out of a game that he could have taken by the scruff of the neck.

Alfredo Morelos (off for Colak ’83) – 6

Unhappy game for the striker. Looked a danger early, but the ball wouldn’t quite fall for him. Had a number of opportunities that he might have done better with and gradually looked more frustrated as balls went a yard or so ahead or behind him. Too often his attempts were straight at the keeper but too his credit he remained heavily involved. Booked.

SUBSTITUTES

Malik Tillman (on for Lundstram ’11) – Man of the Match 9

Probably unlucky not to start anyway and then immediately made a strong case as to why that was the wrong decision. Looked imperious in advanced midfield areas, completely comfortable with the ball at his feet and capable of picking a pass others don’t even see. Slid a beauty in for Tavernier who should have done better in the first half, drove through central areas on the ball, and finally broke the deadlock with his head. Wasn’t as influential after the break but overall an excellent game.

Glen Kamara (on for Sakala ’62) – 6

Offered a bit more composure in possession but not a hugely influential game.

Antonio Colak (on for Morelos ’83) – 5

Didn’t have time to really get up to speed and looked off the pace.

Nicolas Raskin (on for Cantwell ’83) – 6

Obviously wanted to make a good impression in his first Rangers action and showed some encouraging signs in the tackle and on the ball. Not quite at it yet considering how little football he’s had but looks like he could be another good signing.

Scott Wright (on for Kent ’83) – 6

Positive but not long to have an effect.

In other Rangers news, a BBC pundit has scoffed at “cancel culture” after the fallout from criticism of a Gers ace.