We made just the one change with the return of Klimpl now free from suspension. He took his midfield spot at the expense of Lasley. Craigan spent the afternoon in the BBC commentary box and we missed his presence as early as the second minute. A rare 'Well attack
The team took the kick off but failed to resist the early pressure which the home side produced.
It was a nightmare start and it got worse before ten minutes had elapsed. Boyd took the opportunity of a long range shot and Smith had no chance as the ball flew into the postage stamp corner.
Effectively the game was over but we forced three corners without looking likely to benefit. For the next half hour it seemed like Rangers were more concerned with shutting up shop rather than extending their lead. The few hundred Motherwell fans sprang to their feet on 38 minutes when Sutton cracked a beauty into the net from all of 25 yards. Was this to be a lifeline?
Smith kept our faint hopes alive with a fine stop from Boyd just before the break and on the hour
The last twenty minutes petered out without much more action.
Manager McGhee was disappointed at our efforts, particularly at the poor defensive showing early on. We now have to hope that St Mirren do us a favour on Monday evening.
The phrase 'clutching at straws' comes to mind.