Stephen Craigan in ‘crazy’ reaction to weird scenario on BT Sport as Rangers react fast vs Kilmarnock
Stephen Craigan was bemused as Connor Goldson put Rangers ahead in the opening minutes vs Kilmarnock, branding the visitors’ set piece record for and against “crazy”.
In the sixth minute at Ibrox the Gers centre-back put his side ahead as they looked to react to the Viaplay Cup final defeat to Celtic last week (26 February), turning home at the fourth attempt after a corner routine saw Todd Cantwell shots blocked twice and an Antonio Colak effort saved.
Craigan praised the early response to the Old Firm loss but couldn’t get his head around the way Rangers were able to take advantage with such ease at a set piece, when Derek McInnes’ side also score so many of their goals that way.
Speaking live on BT Sport Score on Saturday (4 March, 3.08pm) Craigan reacted to the opener, saying: “In a game that Rangers need to win, I think the team and the players and the manager have come under real fire this week, after losing against Celtic last weekend. They needed a response and they’ve got it early on.”
“It’s sloppy from Kilmarnock though, that, isn’t it?” said host Jules Breach.
“It is, and it’s crazy, because Kilmarnock’s goals-for record at set plays is something like 50% yet they can’t defend set plays against, so it’s a kind of weird scenario.”
Quick out of the blocks
It was a good thing that Rangers got the early goal and put themselves out of sight before half time because what started as a procession turned into a mess after the break.
Being 3-0 up at the interval and cruising suggested that Beale had got his players focused after last week’s disappointment, and with his two new signings back in the starting line up it was a positive half.
But the way they fell off the pace after the break, conceding a goal to Jeriel Dorsett, almost one to Ash Taylor, and Allan McGregor going close to giving a way a penalty, was dreadful.
The sloppiness that took over was alarming, with the entire team’s level falling as they routinely misplaced passes and conceded fouls.
Rangers were frankly lucky they were facing the side second-bottom of the SPFL, and despite starting so positively the game will do nothing to dispel doubts over this squad’s ability to challenge Celtic.
Despite wining every game but the two meetings with the Hoops since he took charge Beale now finds his side coming under the same scrutiny that Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s regularly did, and the board has huge questions to answer.
In other Rangers news, Ross Wilson and Stewart Robertson have nowhere to hide now after handing way dominance on a silver platter.