Edu and Miller Score In Rovers Win

Rangers got off to a winning start in the Sydney Festival of Football with a 2-1 victory over Premiership side Blackburn Rovers.

Steven Whittaker was ruled out of this game with an injury, so Madjid Bougherra stepped in at right-back with Kirk Broadfoot on the left. Walter Smith went for McCulloch, Edu and Davis across the middle and opted for a three upfront with Lafferty, Miller and Naismith. Their opponents would provide a stiff challenge as star players El-Hadji Diouf and Morten Gamst Pedersen both started for Blackburn.

The Gers showed excellent professionalism considering the speculation about more players heading for the exit door. Davie Weir and Kyle Lafferty both had early efforts, but the goal came just after 10 minutes as Steven Davis’ free-kick was met powerfully by Maurice Edu at the back-post. The second goal came from Kenny Miller late in the first-half when Steven Naismith broke down the right-hand side and Lafferty cut the ball back for Miller who fired the ball into the net from about eight yards.

Sam Allardyce must have given his players a few harsh words because the Blackburn seemed to raise their game early in the second-half. Allan McGregor made a smart save from David Hoilett’s effort and Andy Webster cleared N’Zonzi’s header on the line. More chances would come for the opponents but Allan McGregor was solid again to deny Diouf and Jason Roberts. The SPL Champions survived and won a penalty when Edu was fouled by Henley inside the box, but Kenny Miller’s powerful penalty smacked the top of the bar. Blackburn had a penalty of their own soon after which seemed to infuriate Smith’s side but David Dunn cooly slotted home the spot-kick to make it 2-1.

Rangers had another few chances towards the end, Kyle Lafferty had a goal ruled out for offside and John Fleck missed a good chance to seal the victory. Youngsters Ross Perry and Gregg Wylde also had brief appearances replacing World Cup stars Madjid Bougherra and Maurice Edu respectively.

In the end, the Gers held on and moved to 5 points in the group with three for a victory and two points for each goal. They trail Greek side AEK Athens who won 5-3 against Sydney earlier. The Gers take on Sydney this Wednesday hoping to make up the three point gap.