Rangers strolled past a decidedly average looking Barnsley side on Saturday afternoon with the biggest worry for the players being whether they would actually need to shower after the game or whether they could nip out for a cheeky half of mild. It was as comfortable a win as Rangers have had in ages. 

After the defeat at Sheffield United, De Canio had a tinker with both the starting XI and the formation. A more familiar 4-4-2 was deployed with Camp in goal behind Connolly, Hall, Stewart and Delaney. Vine, Rowlands, Leigertwood and Buzsaky lined up in a slightly lop sided midfield with Blackstock partnering Agyemang up top. There was a place on the bench for Mancienne as well as young keeper Reece Crowther. 

The game was held up in the second minute when Connolly launched into a blood curdling challenge on Bobby Hassell and seemed to catch a foot in the head. The physio was quickly on and with Kieran Lee warming up; Connolly was deemed fit enough to continue. The blow clearly didn’t affect him during the rest of the game as he turned in another assured showing in a back four that resembled something from Land of the Giants! 

With five minutes on the clock Rangers hit the front with a beautifully worked goal. Vine played the ball in from the right and Agyemang let it run on to Blackstock and spun in for the pass. Blackstock delivered it into his path and as Muller advanced Agyemang deftly lifted it over his head before holding off the challenge of pub centre half Dennis Souza to nod into the gaping net.  

The game had settled into a pattern by now. Rangers were happy to allow Howard and Leon possession of the ball near halfway but they quickly slammed the door when anything vaguely dangerous looked like developing. Diego Leon looked neat and tidy on the ball, he also looked like a kid wearing one of his dad’s shirts!  

Hall went close to opening his Rangers account when he nodded a Buzsaky corner over the bar. The R’s midfield was proving a little frustrating at the moment as players seemed to be slightly wasted. Buzsaky wasn’t getting much of the ball stationed on the left wing and Vine similarly on the right. Rowlands was getting to the ball quickly all over the pitch but he kept going for the raking fifty yarder and knocking it out of play or behind his target. Leigertwood was typically powerful though and was his usual heady mix of sublime passing followed by comedy ball control. 

Barnsley managed a couple of rare forays into Rangers territory but their entire game plan seemed to be based on giving the ball to Howard for him to ping one from distance. Those who went to the game at Barnsley last season will remember what a threat he can be, luckily his shooting boots were firmly locked away at Oakwell on the day. 

In injury time at the end of the half Rangers produced a sublime second goal. Vine collected the ball wide on the right and immediately burst infield leaving a host of Barnsley defenders in his wake. He knocked the ball into Agyemang, and then took the return; he then sent it back to Agyemang again and headed for the middle of the six yard box. Agyemang picked him out perfectly and Vine slammed the ball into the gaping net. It was superbly fashioned by a set of players that look jammed full of confidence in their own ability at the moment. 2-0 at the break might have been slightly flattering but the away side knew it was game over now. 

Straight after half time Rowlands almost scored the goal of his life. He picked the ball up deep and ran at the heart of the Barnsley side. He jinked his way past challenge after challenge before ending up one on one with the giant Muller. He probably should have just slotted it but instead he waltzed round Muller and suddenly the angle was too tight and his shot was hacked off of the line by Foster. The whole ground rose to acclaim the skipper, it was a breathtaking run and deserved a goal. 

Barnsley finally managed a shot in anger short afterward as Jamal Campbell-Ryce managed to exploit a rare moment of indecision between the otherwise imperious Hall and Stewart. He had the goal in his sights and shot hard only to see Camp throw his face in the way of the ball and send it behind for a corner! 

At the other end Blackstock had a good shout for a penalty turned down after he appeared to have got the better of Souza only to find himself dragged to the turf. You can’t help but think that if we had a home crowd as vociferous as those at Home Park or Brammall Lane that this might have been awarded. 

Rangers were rocking now and Connolly almost came up with a sublime chip after finding some space on the edge of the box. He didn’t even look up, he just flighted a weighted lob over Muller and it just missed the angle of post and bar with the keeper done up like a kipper. Leigertwood then tested Muller after a superb dummy from Agyemang sent him galloping onto Vine’s pass. He could have squared it for Blackstock but instead he went for the blockbuster and Muller beat it away with both hands. 

Rangers’ attacking intentions were certainly being helped by having two full backs that wanted to overlap all day long. Delaney was having an excellent debut, making a mockery of the words of the ever embittered Hull City fans, he was ferocious in the tackle and he used the ball well whenever he had the chance. He also appeared to be able to move at more than walking pace which made a pleasant change having had to suffer Barker for the most part this term. 

Rowlands almost grabbed a goal when Buzsaky picked him out on the edge of the box from a corner but he dragged his shot wide. Rangers then suffered an injury scare when they lost both centre backs within minutes of each other. Hall seemed to tweak something cutting out a cross and was replaced by Mancienne. Connolly pushed in one to partner Stewart. Stewart then seemed to collide with Delaney on a set piece and had to leave the field on a stretcher. Lee came on and Mancienne now went inside to partner Connolly. Hopefully the ten day break will allow the Harlington witch doctor enough time to get them sorted as they already appear to be forming an excellent understanding. 

Rangers were happy to take any sting that was left in the game out of it and protect the two young centre backs from any undue work. Ephraim came on as a late sub for the below par Blackstock but the game petered out and Rangers had wrapped up the most routine of victories. 

It was nice to see that the team are confident enough to clearly play within themselves and still cruise to victory. Earlier in the season they were having to go hell for leather to get beaten by the odd goal, now they have the confidence and the ability to pick a team off and then shut the game out. This team can only get better when they become more familiar with each other. This is the best squad we have had in years and it is refreshing to see a set of players know their jobs and just carry them out without the usual levels of incompetent boobery we have had to endure these past couple of years. 

Man of the Match – Damien Delaney. Delaney turned in a confident and solid display both with and without the ball and having only had a couple of days with the squad it was all credit to him.

simon@qprnet.com