First Team
All The Info | Rangers (A)
22nd November 2024
Alex Smith felt that his young charges acquitted themselves well at the weekend and deserved more than just praise following a solid performance against Rangers at Ibrox. "The game on Saturday at Ibrox was a slight anti-climax for us because I thought that with a bit of luck we could have taken a point back to Tannadice," commented the Manager. "Having said that, we defended badly at their three goals. Their first goal came at a time when we were starting to dictate play. We were on the attack and left ourselves exposed defensively with too many United players forward. They counter attacked and we paid the penalty. From a corner in the 43rd minuted, poor marking cost us a goal, their second, at a vital time."
The Manager was pleased with the attitude of the players in the second period. "We fought back well after the break and with a bit of luck and composure, could have equalised in the dying minutes. Before Old Firm games I ask the players if they can handle the atmosphere at these matches. I think they answered the question by the level of their performance. They gave a good account of themselves. Despite the fact that Rangers may not be firing on all cylinders at the moment, they have many quality players to choose from who can hurt you when your concentration lapses. We have to learn from this match and learn quickly. Despite the fact that we have been playing reasonably well in our previous three games, the points harvest has been disappointing. We need to start winning matches again and if we continue playing the style of football that we have encouraged, the results will surely follow."
The Manager was pleased with the attitude of the players in the second period. "We fought back well after the break and with a bit of luck and composure, could have equalised in the dying minutes. Before Old Firm games I ask the players if they can handle the atmosphere at these matches. I think they answered the question by the level of their performance. They gave a good account of themselves. Despite the fact that Rangers may not be firing on all cylinders at the moment, they have many quality players to choose from who can hurt you when your concentration lapses. We have to learn from this match and learn quickly. Despite the fact that we have been playing reasonably well in our previous three games, the points harvest has been disappointing. We need to start winning matches again and if we continue playing the style of football that we have encouraged, the results will surely follow."
