Rangers held their annual Remembrance Day event and Malik Tillman ensured it wasn't another night to forget for Giovanni van Bronckhorst as the on-loan Bayern Munich netted the goal that eased a bit of the pressure on the Dutchman.
It was hardly a vintage performance from the Light Blues but at this stage all they needed was a win and they got it thanks to Tillman's second half goal for a 1-0 win which ensured that seven-point gap to Celtic didn't get any bigger on a nervy night at Ibrox. Van Bronckhorst stuck with 10 of his 11 Perth flops with Rabbi Matondo - left out of the Wales World Cup squad just before kick off - replacing the injured Fashion Sakala in the only change. The confidence-shorn Gers had to send out a statement and it was a fast start from the home side as they pinned the Jambos back early on.
But Hearts had the best chance on the break with Robert Snodgrass sending a long ball forward for Josh Ginnelly who used his pace to get away from Ben Davies and Leon King but Allan McGregor raced out and did just enough put off the speed merchant. It took until midway through the first half for Gers to carve out their first real chance. James Sands did well to win possession and sent Ryan Kent racing down the left and he picked out John Lundstram but the Scouser fired over.
Antonio Colak, who missed the cut for Croatia’s squad for Qatar, then had more time than he realised as the ball fell to him from James Tavernier’s corner but the unmarked striker sent a tame effort straight into the grateful arms of Craig Gordon. Gordon again denied Colak moments later when Malik Tillman prodded a neat ball through to the former PAOK man but the Jambos skipper was quick off his line to race out and save at the Croat’s feet.
But it was a frustrating first half and jeers came at the break with Scott Arfield replacing Sands at half time ahead of a big 45 minutes for Van Bronckhorst. And Tillman went close early after the restart when Gordon turned his shot round the post after Kent and Colak did well to knock Matondo’s cross into his path. The on-loan Bayern Munich man then sent an effort into the side netting after a fine solo run.
It was third time lucky for Tillman, though, as Gers finally got the breakthrough. It was great play for Kent who jinked his way around the Hearts defence and he fed Borna Barisic on the left and the Croat’s driven cross was met by the USA international who slid in to send his effort beyond Gordon. Here's three talking points from Govan...
Give me a break
Giovanni van Bronckhorst was in desperate need of a break and he got one here, even if it wasn’t a vintage display from the Ibrox side. But all he needed was a win and he got it and if he can get another one against St Mirren on Sunday then the winter break will at least give the under-fire Dutchman a chance to take stock and reflect on a miserable first half of the season.
For the Ibrox board it seems to have been about getting to that shutdown for the World Cup without being forced into making a decision and anything other than a victory here might have forced their hand. A win against the Buddies and they can sit down and allow the flak to die down for a spell.
Flyin’ Ryan
Ryan Kent has come under fire in recent weeks as one of the huge under performers for Rangers with many of his critics believing his mind is already on his next move, with the former Liverpool man free to speak to other clubs and negotiate a Bosman move. And he was having one of those nights in the opening 45 minutes with Rabbi Matondo on the other flank not offering much. But Kent really stepped it up after the restart and he conjured up some of his old magic in the build up to the opening goal before the confidence flowed back. Kent again produced some fancy footwork on the left to deliver a cross that Alfredo Morelos and Scott Arfield were close to converting.
Hearts Gers misery continues
Giovanni van Bronckhorst must wish he could play Hearts every week after making it SIX wins against the Jambos as Light Blues boss - but it was yet more misery for Robbie Neilson as his rotten run continued. The Tynecastle gaffer had lost 16-1 on aggregate in the five games before this meeting but must have fancied his chances strongly of stopping that rot.
And they did well to frustrate the home side which was the way to go after Aberdeen made the mistake of trying to go for the throat only to be thumped on their recent visit. But they couldn’t hold out in the end but they are still in a good position to push for third with European football now over.
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