| STEAUA STUNNER NOT ENOUGH TO
DENY RESILIENT R'S
I am assuming that
the word friendly doesn't have an equivalent in Romanian. That was
the impression I got as Rangers beat an average Steaua side 2-1
despite their dirty tricks and surly disposition.
With a mini pre-season injury crisis
striking the squad the Rangers line up changed slightly. Culkin got
a chance to show his worth in goal. Terrell Forbes Moved into the
back three in the absence of Carlisle. A more rigid middle three of
Bircham, Rose and Bean lined up in midfield with Langley being
forced wide on the right. Danny Murphy played left side and Thomson
and Connolly teamed up in attack.
The games initial stages seemed to be
a case of both sides sussing the other out. Steaua showed they were
adept at keeping the ball for long periods whilst doing nothing with
it. Rangers took the lead after only ten minutes with a goal created
by the incisive play of Shittu.
Big Dan intercepted a ball in midfield
and surged forward. The Romanians seemed to stand off him, probably
stunned by the fact they were playing against a man the size of one
of the dancing bears from their homeland. He had time to slip a ball
to Thommo who took one touch and slotted a bobbling left footer in
off the post. This seemed to give Rangers a boost in confidence and
we came into the game a little more.
Little Dan was surging down the left
and going past the right back with ease. Some of his deliveries
weren't the best but he was causing a multitude of problems. Time
and again the age-old Rangers problem of not actually having many
attempts at goal seemed to be in evidence.
The Steaua equaliser when it came was
one of the best goals Loftus Road has ever witnessed. It was a shame
that a paltry 2,707 people were there to see it! The Romanians won a
corner on the left and the ball was swung high outside the box.
Adrian Neaga walked onto it and sent an absolute screamer past
Culkin and into the top corner. The Rangers keeper did well to get a
hand on it but such was the power it was to no avail. Perhaps the
Rangers hierarchy will think harder before deciding on £15 a ticket
next time. More people deserved to see this moment of genius.
All through the game Rangers were
being treated to a display of niggling fouls and bad sportsmanship.
The shirt pulling that went unpunished by optically challenged ref
Dermot Gallagher was ridiculous. What annoyed me more than anything
though was the way the Steaua players were allowed to kick the ball
away and block off freekicks unchecked. Twice this pre-season we
have been treated to a half arsed display from Gallagher and I hope
we don't have the pleasure of his company again this season.
The second half was a drab affair with
neither side creating any clear-cut opportunities. The winner came
late and Thommo was the architect. He surged clear of the Steaua
defence and whipped the ball across goal. The keeper looked less
happy with crosses than his esteemed countryman the good Count
Dracula and Connolly was able to fire home at the second attempt.
The final act of the game was yet
another horrendous challenge that very nearly sparked a mass brawl.
As Culkin allowed the ball to roll into his area he was kicked up in
the air as soon as he laid a hand on it. He had a crack at the bloke
and only the mass intervention of Palmer, Shittu and Bircham
prevented the matter getting ugly. A few handbags were thrown but
luckily the matter didn't escalate further.
This was an interesting workout for
Rangers against a style they probably wont see again this term. Of
the side that started this game you can expect only Bean and
Connolly to drop out in favour of Carlisle and Gallen.
Of the players on display the two wide
men provided stark contrasts with one another. On the left Murphy
was a constant threat with his movement and surging runs. His
defensive efforts were also better and he wasn't diving in too soon.
On the other hand, Langley on the right had an absolute shocker.
Some people will say that this isn't his position but that is no
excuse. He couldn't trap a bag of cement out there and his passing
was pitiful. Whatever position he finds himself in it should not
diminish his ability to do the simple things well. It is often
highlighted more with a player of Langley's calibre, as we all know
what a fine talent he is when on song.
Up front Connolly worked manfully in
the face of some dreadful challenges there is no way he will start
ahead of Gallen next week. Thomson looks to be in good form and I
can't wait to see him get at some of those Div2 defences next week.
Things are looking good and with the
players to come back from injury we seem to be set fair. The players
will all be hoping to avoid injury against Yeading on Monday so I
would expect to see a fairly inexperienced line up. Not long to wait
until the visit of Chesterfield and do you know what, it's starting
to get exciting.
Man of the Match - Danny Murphy
simon@qprnet.com |
