Archie Fires Gers Top

[ian1964 10,669]

By Amir Rashid at Riccarton

 

YOUNG starlet Archie Campbell fired ten-man Rangers to the top of the table following a 2-0 win against Hearts at Riccarton today.

 

The frontman was in inspirational form as he set up the first goal and then scored the winner in a crucial win which saw Rangers take advantage after Hibs' defeat to Falkirk yesterday.

 

The Light Blues had to battle for all three points as third-placed Hearts were eager to show that they still had ambitions of lifting the title themselves, especially after losing Gregg Wylde to a red card after just 30 minutes.

 

Kane HemmingsWylde was dismissed for a professional and Billy Kirkwood had to re-organise with Stephen Forbes filling in for Wylde at left back.

 

The Jambos tried to push home their one-man advantage but Rangers were resolute. Paul Mulrooney pounced on the ball following some sloppy play by Rangers - through on goal, he pulled his chance wide of Arturs Vaiculis's far post.

 

Just minutes later and a nice turn and cross from Arvidas Novikovas allowed Mulrooney a header at goal but he was unable to hit the target.

 

With 17 minutes of the second period played Campbell and Kane Hemmings linked up brilliantly before Campbell's low cross to the near post was met by Stephen Stirling who bravely slid in to put Rangers a goal up.

 

Hearts pushed forward after the goal but were unable to create any genuine chances. Mark Cowan saw his shot sail over the bar while Novikovas failed to test Vaiculis from distance.

 

The ten men of Rangers were battling hard in windy conditions with Kyle Hutton and the rest of the midfield helping out the sturdy defence - led by captain Ross Perry.

 

And on 75 minutes Hemmings picked up the ball in the Jambos half, ran at the heart of the defence before opting to pass wide to Campbell rather than shoot.

 

Campbell showed his strike partner had made the right choice when he curled in a sublime strike from a tight angle inside the box.

 

Hearts continued to search for a goal but the resolute Rangers defence held firm. Ryan Wallace came closest with five minutes remaining his jinking run produced a fine save by Vaiculis low down to his left.

 

The Light Blues however held on to ensure that they took all three points with destiny now in their own hands as the race for the title hots up.

 

Team: Vaiculis, Cole, Wylde, Wilson, Perry, Hutton, Campbell (Durie), Stirling, Hemmings (Wright), Naismith, Forbes

 

Subs: Adam, Bagci, Dick, McAusland

[pete 2,499]

Don't forget we have two teams top of their leagues.:rfc:

[Super_Ally 0]

Don't forget we have two teams top of their leagues.:rfc:

 

That's where all our teams should be.