Walter looking forward to Aberdeen showdown
Published:
RANGERS manager Walter Smith is delighted they have taken the title race right to the final game against Aberdeen
A 3-0 win over St Mirren at Love Street means Rangers are level on points with Celtic with one match left but trail by a goal difference of four.
It sets up a winner takes all shoot-out between the Old Firm and New Firm on Thursday, when the Celts visit Dundee United and Rangers travel to Aberdeen.
Smith said: “Now we go to Pittodrie knowing that with a win comes the possibility of winning the championship.
“That’s all we could ask for and we will now give it our best shot.”
Smith’s side lost the initiative in the title race when they were held to a 1-1 draw at Motherwell on Saturday.
But Rangers piled on the pressure against St Mirren and got off to a great start thanks to Kris Boyd’s early goal.
Jean-Claude Darcheville grabbed a double and the visitors had several opportunities to add to their tally.
Smith said: “Jean-Claude hit the post with an overhead kick and we had a couple of decent chances in the second half when we might have done better.
“St Mirren worked hard and it was the same at Motherwell, so I’m sure it will be the same at Aberdeen.
“Pittodrie is always a tough place to go and players always have pride in their performances.”
With defending champions Celtic four goals better off, the initiative clearly lies with them.
The win at Love Street was also Rangers’ first on their travels since the 4-0 thrashing of Hearts back in February. Star defender Carlos Cuellar missed the trip to Paisley through suspension but will be back to face the Dons.
Smith started with three attacking players - Nacho Novo, Boyd and Darcheville. It paid off immediately and the Ibrox side were ahead in the fourth minute through Boyd. Darcheville’s double raised hopes of a hefty win.As the clock ran down, Rangers claimed Boyd’s header was handled on the line by Gary Mason but hopes of a late penalty – and another goal – were in vain.
