Sone Aluko fails to save Rangers

[TheNation]

 Nigeria's Sone Aluko failed to lift embattled Rangers Sunday as the Scottish side lost 3-0 away to league leaders Celtic.

With no end seemingly in sight to the deepening financial crisis at Rangers, the game the players had hoped would offer them some respite from  their off-field worries.

Unfortunately  their problems followed them onto the pitch with Celtic, who wrapped up the Scottish Premier League title at the beginning of April, completely dominating the game.

Aluko who saw full 90 minutes action made intermitent incursions into opponents vital area all of which was rebuffed by hard working Celtic defenders.

The hosts, in fact, began the chase for victory early in the game scoring the first goal in the 17th minute and grabbing the second  14 minutes later through Scotland duo of   Charles Mulgrew and Kris Commons respectively. McCulloch couldn't direct a header from Sone Aluko's free-kick on target and Whittaker sent a half-volley over the bar as Rangers searched for an equaliser.

Efforts by the Nigerian and his teammates to fight back got another knock in the 54th minute when Gary Hooper scored the third and final goal for Celtic.

His  curling free-kick towards the end of the encounter  forced Celtic goalie  into a fine save to deny  Rangers a consolation goal.

The win leaves Celtic 21 points clear of Rangers, who were docked ten points after entering administration in February, and gains some revenge for their 3-2 defeat at Ibrox in March.

With the threat of liquidation and the possible loss of their place in the Scottish Premier League hanging over Rangers, there were more than bragging rights at stake in what potentially could be the last Old Firm game for a while. McCoist admitted that he had no complaints about the outcome of the match adding that Celtic deserved their victory. He however hailed Rangers fan for remaining steadfast inspite of the clubs predicament.

"The players are very thankful for the support they've given us. We have three games left and we'll keep fighting," he said.



TheNation