Rampant Rangers Destroy Dismal Dee

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Today’s Scottish Cup Quarter Final tie between Rangers and visiting Dundee had been billed as yet another episode in the soap opera that is Rangers versus the Premiership.

The Dee came into this one in rampant form, with only one goal conceded in the past six matches and no losses since succumbing at Pittodrie late January. Their star striker, Kane Hemmings, is third-top scorer in the Premiership, and they sit pretty themselves near the summit, with a comfortable fifth place to boast of.

This was easily the toughest match Warburton’s Rangers had faced since the Magic Hat had taken over at Ibrox last July and was the most valid test yet of his progress, going, as it looks, into his maiden top-flight season next year in Scotland’s Premier Division.

And 4-0 later and a 90 minute stroll complete, Rangers could not have made a bigger statement of intent if they had tried.

From 13 seconds and Harry Forrester’s stunning solo opening sizzler, to Andy Halliday’s grass-cutting free kick, Rangers strutted around the Govan turf like they owned it – and they did own it.

Dundee had absolutely no answer to Rangers’ fire, intensity, pressing, swift one-twos, fierce overlapping runs and sharp short acute passing which left McGinn and co breathless.

This was, by miles, Rangers’ best display and result under Mark Warburton, with every player providing a compelling case for inclusion as part of the Premiership campaign next season.

In defence Kiernan and Wilson, especially the latter who was outstanding, repelled almost every Dundee attack with ease and assuredness– and even then, Kiernan was only notably beaten once by the otherwise misfiring Kane Hemmings.

Wilson showed that, at a higher level, with his concentration on full, he is every inch capable – he had easily his best match in a Rangers jersey on his second spell at Ibrox, and looked a totally different player to the slightly lazy, positionally suspect and generally languid figure he has often cut this season.

The wingbacks were torrid – Wallace and Tavernier decimated Dundee’s backline, and Tav especially had his best match in some time. Caught out of position only one significant moment, he otherwise tore holes in the Dee backline, while his running mate got in on the scoring with a fantastic run and finish.

Midfield too was succinct – Holt was energetic, bustling, and drew countless fouls – Dundee just could not deal with him, while behind him Ball quietly mopped up all the stray moments that could have developed for the visitors. Halliday had a difficult first half, with some loose possession and bad positioning, but he improved significantly after the interval and his free kick was another vital component of a great afternoon.

Up front; what can you say about McKay, Miller and Forrester? They were on fire – Miller linked up with both to provide countless central movements, while Forrester relentlessly went at the backline and was a handful they could not cope with. McKay though, was sublime – this kid just gets better and better, and his impossible ball retention at the byline then touchline sequence in the second half summed up his commitment, quality and persistence. He is a gem, put simply.

A word on Dundee – they stank, but a major cause of this was Rangers did not let them do anything else. From the first second the hosts were intense, oppressive, claustrophobic and their guests were blown away by it. The occasion was too much and Rangers’ destroyed them with it.

Rangers now go into the semifinals draw of the Scottish Cup fearing no one. This match was a gigantic litmus test, and a huge barometer of progress. Rangers have absolutely obliterated a Dundee side who got a very decent draw at Parkhead recently – and now look like a Rangers team quite at home at that level.

The future is most definitely bright for the red, blue and white.

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20 COMMENTS

  1. You summed that up really well. I don't think dundee were pants. They just could'nt live with Rangers in any dept. They weren't even close.

  2. we as bears should never doubt how good our manager and team are…they gave dundee a football lesson…paul hartley thought he knew how to organize a team…he would be better sticking to making jam…if mr warburton does strengthen in the summer with 4 or 5 new players,then look out septic…I think I can smell that unmistakable stink of diarrhea coming from the east end of glasgow…they are getting scared now…no more easy route to c/l…WE ARE THE PEOPLE…"simply the best"

  3. Just shows you the kind of football this team are capable of when the opposition don't 'park the bus'….

  4. Fantastic! Every player looked the part. Kenny Miller never ceases to amaze me. And that's without O'Halloran, King and Waghorn!
    The Magic Hat deserves enormous credit to have put this team together in less than one season.
    Maybe we'll get Morton in the semis 🙂

  5. I think you mention every Rangers player and deservedly so on a wonderful display of football skill and commitment. Let me also name Nikki Clark, who after being robbed of the ball must have ran back 50 yards, made a great interception, lovely pass to Law, on to Captain Lee and into the onion bag. Absolutely exemplified what is remarkable about this Rangerr's team.

  6. Great result today, this team must be getting coached the right way every day in training because that performance was superb probably the best I have seen rangers play since advocaat was here and spending millions. I hope Dave king has watched that today and thought if I give this man warburton a good transfer budget then we could quite easily be top dog again next year rather than maybe thinking he will get away with biscuit tin budgets……. Rangers till I die WATP

  7. Well what can you say I just can't praise the the players enough. And like David Scott said it's proper coaching. And how about this when Dundee played Celtic they were not playing half of the team Celtic could not break them down. They have their full strength team out there today and look at what happened.. Forrester has definitely won himself a new contract . Mw can spot a player for sure just can't wait for next season to wipe the smug look of a hell of a lot of faces. Watp

  8. Could anyone realistically mind honestly say that they would swap one of our players for any of Celtic's. No defenders not the keeper no midfield or strikers

  9. A brilliant display against a really good Dundee side, hats of to the boys. And Lee Wallace is captain Marvel, he never ceases to amaze me, true rangers legend.

    • Lee Wallace is in the John Greig mold. Both deserve the title 'Captain Courageous'. Both inspire(d) team mates with their never say die attitude.
      Plus Lee stuck it out through the recent dark days. A true legend.

  10. We must make sure we sign forrester now, Hopfully they will tear up his "short term contract"

  11. When teams come at us, they will have to expect a thorough examination.That is what the "top" teams will have to decide against us. Attack? Or play on the break? I believe most will come at us , because they will be too proud, as premier sides, to do otherwise. Look out for a humdinger against our old foes.

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