Rangers 0
Dundee 0
League (Premier Division)

Match Report

Newspaper extract from Bill McFarlane | The Sunday Post.

A surprise result? Don't you believe it. The only surprise was Dundee didn't win by a couple of goals.

That they didn't is their own fault, for they had the opportunities.

Dundee dominated proceedings for long spells and made the new Skol Cup holders look a very ordinary side indeed.

Stuart Rafferty, George McGeachie, and John Brown had a vice-like grip on midfield for lengthy periods.

Also, it was refreshing to see an away team, especially underdogs, as Dundee were, taking the game to Rangers. The home side were as flat as a glass of champagne left over from last Sunday's celebrations. But it was Dundee who made Rangers look so ordinary.

They adapted far better to the dreadful conditions, their attitude and application was superior, and at the end of the day were unlucky not to take both points.

Rangers did rally strongly towards the end. Ian Redford missed a couple of good chances, but a Rangers victory would have been, a travesty.

What a difference six days can make. Last Sunday it was glory glory all the way at Hampden. Here the faithful booed Jock Wal- lace's team from the park.

Considering the torrential rain, it was a remarkably enjoyable game. The conditions obviously made for mistakes, but that only added to the excitement.

The best chance of the game fell to Stuart Rafferty immediately after the half-time dry-out.

Former Dundee skipper Cammy Fraser carelessly passed the ball across the front of his own penalty area. Rafferty intercepted, took a few steps into the box, steadied himself-then carelessly shot wide.

In the first half, Brown was also through after a good move, but shot straight at the keeper.

Throughout Dundee were guilty of over- elaboration when they got close to goal. The conditions cried out for the quick, low shot, but the visitors always wanted an extra step or pass.

When Rangers clawed themselves back into the game, they were more direct but by then Dundee's defence was well-entrenched and Carson was rarely troubled.

As Rangers became desperate, they fielded both substitutes, but all they had to show at the end of the day were three names in referee Hope's notebook.

Fraser for dissent when he disputed that Paterson had fouled Stephen; Ferguson for retaliation on Connor after the Dundee man had fouled him; and Dawson for bringing down Stephen from behind.

This result must surely give Dundee much encouragement. If they can come to Ibrox and play like this, the word relegation shouldn't enter their vocabulary.

They had outstanding service from McGeachie, Rafferty, Forsyth and Brown.

Once again Rangers were taught a lesson that you're only as good as your last game. That game was here!

Only defender McClelland and the enthusiastic McPherson earned pass marks.