It was another frustrating night at Ibrox.
Mark Warburton made four changes to the starting line-up from Sunday. Joe Garner, Harry Forrester and Michael O’Halloran made for a positive front three. Wes Foderingham returned in goal as expected.
A bright start from the Gers brought early opportunities which came to nothing. But there seems to be a fear with Rangers that any mistakes at the back are punished.
That rang true yet again as St Johnstone took the lead inside five minutes. Lee Hodson, who kept his place ahead of James Tavernier, lost the ball on the edge of the area and Blair Alston curled a stunning strike over the head of Wes Foderingham. It was a hard blow to take following the positive start we had made.
Joe Garner is yet to show his worth since signing for us in the summer. Games are the only way he can do that, so his inclusion was a welcome one.
The Englishman had a few shots at goal to no avail as the first half wore on. Luckily, he managed to put one away and equalise eight minutes before half-time by getting on the end of one of Harry Forrester’s corners.
We seemed to get a lift for a spell after the goal. Josh Windass had a wonderful hit from distance saved by visiting goalkeeper Zander Clark.
There was to be no lift after the break, though, as the performance dipped and we were unable to create anything to win the game.
St Johnstone also had chances to take the points themselves, probably better ones than we did, but Foderingham was on hand for most of them.
More frustrating games and results like this await Rangers this season. Warburton’s game plan needs adapting so we can give ourselves a better chance to convincingly take three points.
Realistically, this season may just have to be one where we only settle back into life in the top flight.
YouTube: REACTION | Mark Warburton | Rangers 1-1 St Johnstone
My ratings for the team are below:
Wes Foderingham – 6
Made one great save at the start of the second half at his near post. Wasn’t too great with his distribution throughout the game.
Lee Hodson – 6
Stayed at right back but his mistake at the St Johnstone goal seemed to affect his game thereafter.
Clint Hill – 7
Once again a very steady performance. Was never caught out by pace and always good in the air.
Rob Kiernan – 7
Didn’t cause any problems and defended fairly well.
Lee Wallace – 7
Tried to offer his services in attack time and again. Also did his job at the back when required. Can be caught out sometimes.
Andy Halliday – 6
Not as good a performance as we have seen from Halliday but he still put a shift in and passed the ball well.
Jason Holt – 6
Lost the ball more than he usually does in forward areas. Kept going and could have scored again too.
Josh Windass – 7
Much better than Sunday. His pace will cause trouble to any defence and was unlucky with a fierce shot.
Joe Garner – 7
Finally got a goal which will hopefully help him kick on. His all round contribution was quite good and was unlucky with a header in the second half.
Harry Forrester – 6
Surprising that the prediction was right and he was playing ahead of Barrie McKay. Tried hard to offer something in forward areas and came close with a free-kick. Not at his best.
Michael O’Halloran – 7
Good to see him get the chance he deserved. Always had two men marking him throughout the game but his delivery of some dangerous crosses was very positive.
YouTube: REACTION | Michael O’Halloran | Rangers 1-1 St Johnstone
Martyn Waghorn – 3
Replaced Garner late on but never provided anything in attack.
Kenny Miller – 4
Got himself in good positions at times as well as dropping back to help the midfield.
Barrie McKay – 3
Came on for Forrester but didn’t offer anything different.
