It was an unusual ‘Well side which took the field at the start of the game. Captain Scott was missing, as was McFadden. Pearson was restored to the number six jersey but it soon became clear that he was not at top of his fitness and he struggle until he was replaced with twenty minutes remaining.
David Cowan faces up to de Boer
We seemed to freeze at the start of the game and instead of pressing and challenging we defended on our own eighteen yard line. The opposition scored after two minutes and we gave ourselves a shake.
For the next hour or so we competed well and looked composed. The short passing game held up though we rarely threatened.
Our best chance in the first half came after Lehman was fouled on the left wing, level with the box, and we were awarded a a freek kick. Adams and Hammell hovered and eventually Stevie sent over a peach of a cross and Corrigan got his head to the ball. It flew against Klos from close in and hit hit chest.
Another superb show from Corrigan
David Cowan had been given the right back slot and was faced with the difficult task of containing Lovenkrands. He did well, though with twenty minutes left his opponent grabbed the second goal.
Partridge got himself a straight red after a lunging late thrust at Ricksen (though the TV replay suggested that he failed to make contact).
We then crumbled. Our shape was lost and Rangers pinned us back. They got the third on the final whistle.
Overall we can be satified with the performance. Terry reckoned that we would learn from the experience and to be fair, we did have a very young and inexperienced team on the park.
So it's off to Pittodrie on Wednesday!