Rangers v East Fife

Former Queen of the South player Nicky Clark made his long awaited competitive debut for Rangers against East Fife yesterday. It took 30 seconds for him to open up his Rangers account and continue his goal scoring exploits from last year. Having had to wait 13 weeks to play his first competitive match due to the transfer embargo, Clark flew out the traps sending the Ibrox faithful into bedlam. 

Lee McCulloch led the attack, collecting a hat rick of headers to earn himself the match ball. Although difficult to believe, McCulloch was upstaged by Clark throughout the day. Clark was enthusiastic, quick and linked up well with the midfield. He never gave East Fife's back four peace, chasing down lost causes and constantly getting involved in the action. Clark's polished display will help him cement his place as a regular in the Rangers team. With McCoist talking again this week about his desire to bring back Kenny Miller, he may think twice based on a Clark's performance against East Fife. 

A flick on from McCulloch sent Clark through on goal, where he controlled the ball with his chest before slotting past keeper East Fife keeper Michael Andrews. It was a dream start for the Rangers supporter and one he will cherish. He nearly scored 10 minutes later when he curled an effort just wide of goal.

The second goal came when Wallace sent in a curling cross that McCulloch converted after out jumping the East Fife goal keeper. Rangers sensed blood and it wasn't long before they got a third. This time Wallace floated in a stunning cross to the back post where McCulloch was there to simply steer the ball into the gaping goal. 

The fourth came in the second half, when Robbie Neilson's miscued clearance fell to McLeod, who volleyed a stunning effort into the top corner. 

McCulloch sealed his third and Rangers fifth when McAusland cross landed on the head of McCulloch, who still had a lot to do to convert the header. 

Rangers play is getting better on the right hand side with McAusland and Crawford benefitting from an extended spell in the team. Rangers have been guilty over the past year of relying too much on Lee Wallace on the left hand side. Two goals in the last two games have come from stunning crosses from the right hand side. 

With Rangers scoring 18 goals in four games, their goal ratio will only improve now that the transfer embargo has been lifted and McCoist can now field his strongest team.