Rangers got off to a winning start to the 2010/2011 SPL campaign. The Scottish Premier League champions started their defence with a 2-1 victory over Kilmarnock after they had unfurled the league flag.
With Celtic winning their opener against Inverness Caley Thistle, it was important that Rangers didn’t lose any ground, even this early in the campaign. Kilmarnock look a better team than last season when they struggled against relegation, but in the end Rangers just had too much for them.
Rangers starting eleven practically picked itself with only thirteen non youth players available, two of which were goalkeepers. McGregor started in goals with a back four of papac, bougherra, weir and broadfoot. The midfield was made up of Lafferty, Edu, Naismith and Whittaker. Kenny Miller started up front with debutant James Beattie.
Rangers went in front in the sixteenth minute with a bizarre goal that came off Kenny Miller’s back from a rebound. Kenny Miller didn’t care though as they all count. Steven Naismith was on the scoresheet against his old club to double Rangers’ lead. Naismith slotted home from around the six yard mark after a well worked move involving Kenny Miller.
Debut boy James Beattie showed that he could be a goal threat for Rangers and was unlucky not to be on the scoresheet on his debut when Kilmarnock goalkeeper Bell saved brilliantly from his volley after being set up by Whittaker.
Kilmarnock grabbed one back on the hour mark from the penalty spot after Sasa Papac fouled Dayton. Hamill converted the spot kick with ease, sending Allan McGregor the wrong way.
Over all, a decent start to the season, and a winning start which is the main thing. Rangers now face an away trip against Hibernian at Easter Road. The Edinburgh side will provide tough opposition for Rangers and will be in confident mood after beating Motherwell 3-2 on Sunday.
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