Airdrie 1, Rangers 3
IT WAS smiles all round at Broomfield on Saturday when Rangers went
public with the most controversial signing in their history. Maurice
Johnston was not only accepted by the huge travelling support -- he
was applauded, cheered, and encouraged almost every time he touched
the ball in a highly entertaining testimonial match for two Airdrie
stalwarts, goalkeeper John Martin and central defender Brian McKeown.
Seldom can two men have had to work so hard for their reward money
than the testimonial beneficiaries, for Rangers, having tuned up on the
Continent and in a couple of closed-door matches, gave ample warning
that they are in no mood to be relieved of the champions' crown.
When it is considered that they are still without midfield talent such
as Ray Wilkins, Ian and Derek Ferguson, and Ian Durrant, the prospect of
facing up to Rangers in earnest when the new season gets under way must
be a pretty daunting thought for the rest of the premier division.
Johnston did not manage to score, nor did he have even one worthwhile
effort at goal throughout the 90 minutes, but he still made a huge
contribution, setting up the first two goals and generally running the
legs off the Airdrie defence. He shrugs off defenders much more easily
than he does those minder fellows whose job it is to ensure that he
suffers no hassle when he puts on his suit, shirt, and tie.
''It was good to get this game over with,'' said Johnston. ''I am so
pleased that the fans gave me a good reception, because I was a wee bit
worried. It is always difficult coming to a new club, but the fans were
tremendous and helped me to settle down right away.
''Of course, I would have been happier if I had scored, but I will get
goals for Rangers and I am confident I'll win over all of the fans.
Rangers have a great squad of players and I am delighted to be a part of
it.''
For me, however, the star of the day was Rangers' other new boy,
Trevor Steven, the English international midfielder. He looks the
complete footballer, with unselfish running, pin-point accuracy in his
passing, and the ability to create ample space for himself when he
appears to be in trouble. Yes, he scores goals, too.
A tribunal on August 29 will decide how much Rangers will have to pay
for this gifted man. Some reports say that Everton will claim #5m. That,
of course, is ridiculous, for to my mind no player in the world is worth
that amount, but with some crazy fees being handed out elsewhere this
summer, Rangers can hardly expect to get off lightly, for Steven will be
one of the major attractions in the coming season.
Steven said: ''I was apprehensive before this game, for you want the
fans to take to you right away. However, I got off to a good start with
the opening goal and really enjoyed myself.
''I know that every team is especially keen to beat Rangers, but
that's all part of the challenge for me.''
It took Rangers just seven minutes to get their noses in front. Mark
Walters went on a pacy run up the left and when his low cross reached
the goal area Johnston neatly touched it into the path of Steven, who
swept it past Martin.
The Airdrie keeper then made his only error on his big day in 22
minutes when his slack throw-out was picked up by John Brown, who simply
strode forward and hammered in the second with a left-foot drive.
Six minutes later Airdrie had their little moment when Innes MacDonald
picked up a short passback from Richard Gough and gave Chris Woods no
chance with the shot, but in 37 minutes Johnston was again the goalmaker
when he set up Kevin Drinkell only a few yards out.
It was to Airdrie's credit that they managed to keep out the Rangers
attack for the rest of the afternoon. New manager Jimmy Bone had a
useful squad of players to work with and it will not surprise me if the
Broomfield side, as they did last term, make a bold bid for the one
promotion spot from the first division.
Rangers' only black spot for was a second-half injury to Brown, who
had to be stretchered off with ankle damage. He was in hospital
yesterday for X-rays, which revealed a badly bruised ankle.
AIRDRIE -- Martin, McKinnon, Jack, McKeown, Grant, Abercromby,
Lawrence, Balfour, Campbell, Conn, I MacDonald. Substitutes -- Ogilvie,
Walsh, Nelson, Speirs.
RANGERS -- Woods, Stevens, Munro, Gough, Steven, Butcher, Drinkell,
Brown, McCoist, Johnston, Walters. Substitutes -- McCall, Cowan, Murray.
Referee -- W Morrison (Carluke).
* * *
Former Rangers striker Jim Frith, who was released by Hamilton, was
signed yesterday by Cowdenbeath.
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