Gers Miss Out In Controversial Final Derby

Rangers were hard done by as they slipped to a 2-1 defeat at Celtic Park last night and had pegged their arch rivals back through Kenny Miller just two minutes before the break. In my opinion, the Gers failed to turn up for a good 35 minutes last night and couldn’t contain the high-tempo Celtic played at for the opening part of the game.

Kyle Lafferty and Kenny Miller started in attack for Rangers with Steven Smith replacing Sasa Papac as the only major change. As for the hosts, they had a few defensive worries and full-back Mark Wilson slotted into central defence alongside Darren O’Dea. The game was initially interrupted when Allan McGregor left the field on a stretcher after just a few minutes when he landed awkwardly on his knee and was replaced by Neil Alexander. Steven Naismith then committed a silly foul about 30 yards from goal, which allowed Lee Naylor to have a whack at goal and his free-kick deflected off the foot of Davie Weir and into the corner with Alexander rooted to the spot.

Miller the “tim slayer” yet again

Rangers just didn’t get going – they looked sluggish and the decision-making was poor at times. However, the Champions bursted into action after 43 minutes when Steven Whittaker’s stunning cross was glanced into the corner by Kenny Miller, who then went nuts at the camera. Miller, a former Celtic striker, has scored 3 goals in the four Old Firm derbies this season and famously scored two in a 4-2 win, his first game back at Celtic Park as a Rangers player.

However, the lead didn’t last long and Marc-Antoine Fortune, who had caused the Rangers defence problems with his power, was all over Steven Smith as Aiden McGeady’s cross came in from the left and the former Nancy and West Brom striker headed the ball low under Alexander into the net. Certainly, the replays show Fortune fouled Smith.

Rangers were much much better in the second-half and began to get the ball wide and cause major problems in the Celtic defence. Kenny Miller was inches away from scoring an equaliser when his shot flew past the post before Artur Boruc was replaced by Lukasz Zaluska after breaking two of his fingers in the games second goalkeeping casualty. Miller had another excellent chance, Edu returned the ball back to Miller at the edge of the box and his looping volley was not far away of finding the net.

Chances were then spilled by the home side when Scott Brown headed over from a few yards out. However, a huge talking point came in the second-half when Nacho Novo’s shot cannoned off the arm of Darren O’Dea, a clear penalty, and the referee dismissed the claims. Miller’s shot seconds after hit the outside of the post. Steven Davis also had an excellent effort on goal when his shot was well saved by Zaluska, but it wasn’t to be for the SPL Champions and they left Parkhead empty-handed. Although, you wouldn’t have guessed that with the outstanding support from the away supporters who sang the whole match and were a credit to themselves and the club.