Anthony Onifade

Sat 20 January 2024 18:16, UK

Rangers went into half-time of their Scottish Cup clash against Dumbarton on Saturday (20 January) ahead thanks to John Lundstram and Cyriel Dessers goals in the first half.

Philippe Clement’s side were looking to find their form again after a two-week winter break as they took on the lower league side on Saturday afternoon.

And the Gers looked comfortable at half-time after goals from Lundstram and Dessers in difficult conditions at the Dumbarton Football Stadium.

This is how Ibrox News rated the performance of each player in the opening 45 minutes of the contest..

Robby McCrorie – 8

Made a spectacular save mid-way through the half from Michael Ruth’s header and saved his team a first-half embarrassment. Rarely played all season but looked like seasoned regular with that save, with his face. Brilliant. Nearly guilty of a slack pass which almost led to a chance. Standout display though.

James Tavernier – 5

Looked to get his team going from the right hand side but proved ineffective. That won’t derail him though as he always delivers in a Rangers shirt and that cross for Dessers’ goal was delightful.

Connor Goldson – 4

Give a fair-few scares by the Dumbarton attack and will be thanking McCrorie for a wonderful save after some uncharacteristically poor defending from the senior Ibrox man.

John Souttar – 4

Looked shaky alongside Goldson as the difficult conditions certainly played a hand in him being uncomfortable for most of the half.

Ridvan Yilmaz – 7

The Turkish left-back has been subject of much interest in recent weeks but it seems as though Rangers want to keep him and his display in the first half showed why. Provided a lively presence and threat alongside Matondo on the left flank.

John Lundstram – 7

Keeping things ticking over without anything spectacular as he usually does. Must be careful not to be given the runaround by an energetic home side. Scored the opening goal with a brace header from a corner.

Nicolas Raskin – 4

Raskin’s return to injury is certainly a welcome boost for Clement given the recent midfield injury crisis he’s suffered at Ibrox but it will take a fair few games for the Belgian to get back to his best self again. Didn’t really get going in difficult conditions. Must be dragged off.

Todd Cantwell – 6

Tremendous cross for the opening goal but needs to get on the ball more in the final third for Rangers. An innovative attacking outlet on his day.

Ross McCausland – 6

Always a lively threat on the right hand side given his youthful exuberance but nothing came off for him as Dumbarton proved their defensive resilience. Will keep going, however.

Rabbi Matondo – 7

A decent showing from Matondo has he provided the Gers with the cutting-edge, pace and trickery needed to break Dumbarton’s resistance. With Abdallah Sima absent this month, it’s his chance to prove his worth to Clement. A good start indeed.

Cyriel Dessers – 6

After some impressive form in December, Dessers has somewhat back into his shell and missed a hateful of chances in that first half which will leave Philippe Clement reeling. Some dreadful finishing from the summer signing with Fabio Silva lying in wait for his opportunity but got his goal five minutes from time with some terrific movement.

In other Rangers news, an Athletic journalist believes it would be “no surprise at all” if the “best finisher” a club has ends up at Ibrox.

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