kevin gallen
Well-Known Member
European Champions
Rangers fought back from 2-0 down in the Copa De Ibiza final to
claim the trophy with a 3-2 win.
Two second half goals from Dean Sturridge and a late winner from
Kevin Gallen turned the game on its head in a match that might well
give Liverpool a run for their money when it comes to great European
cup final comebacks! Trailing 2-0 at half time, thanks to some powerful Coventry
finishing, Rangers had it all to do after the break.
But two goals from Dean Sturridge gave Rangers a lifeline and there
was yet more drama to come.
Coventry had the ball in the back of the net, but the linesman's
flag ruled it out. As play swung up the other end, Gallen was on
hand to strike and ensure the cup was on the plane home to London.
Although Monday's 5-0 win over local side Saint Antoni looked
impressive, little can be learnt from a performance against a non
league side.
But it could be said that the final against Coventry would be a
fairer indication of how Rangers may fare in this year's
Championship.
Once again Ian Holloway was able to give his entire squad a run out,
apart from the injured Gareth Ainsworth and Martin Rowlands.
It may have been just a pre-season tournament, but Rangers'
determination was evident from the start as the team huddle that has
become synonymous with the Superhoops was put into action.
Adam Chambers had the first effort for Rangers after Aaron Brown
whipped the ball across the face of goal, but the trialist skewed
his shot over the bar.
Rangers' task was made harder when Coventry took the lead through
Dele Adebola on 25 minutes. Clean through, the imposing forward
slotted past Jake Cole into the far corner.
Tommy Doherty was introduced when Marc Bircham went down holding his
ankle and there was more bad news for Rangers when Coventry doubled
their lead through Gary McSheffrey.
Rangers had it all to do in the second half and Dean Sturridge
wasted no time in narrowing the scoreline with a delightful shot
from the edge of the box.
Coventry's disallowed goal was a heart stopping moment for Rangers
fans, but they were soon elated with Gallen riffled the ball into
the back of the net.
There were just five minutes to sit out before the referee signalled
Rangers' European victory and what will hopefully be the first
silverware of the season.
Rangers first half: Cole, Gallen, Bircham (Doherty), Evatt, Brown,
Furlong, Rose, Miller, Bignot, Santos, Chambers
Rangers second half: Royce, Shittu, Moore, Cook, Doherty, Shimmin,
Hislop, Bean, Sturridge (Chambers), Hugo, Gallen
Rangers fought back from 2-0 down in the Copa De Ibiza final to
claim the trophy with a 3-2 win.
Two second half goals from Dean Sturridge and a late winner from
Kevin Gallen turned the game on its head in a match that might well
give Liverpool a run for their money when it comes to great European
cup final comebacks! Trailing 2-0 at half time, thanks to some powerful Coventry
finishing, Rangers had it all to do after the break.
But two goals from Dean Sturridge gave Rangers a lifeline and there
was yet more drama to come.
Coventry had the ball in the back of the net, but the linesman's
flag ruled it out. As play swung up the other end, Gallen was on
hand to strike and ensure the cup was on the plane home to London.
Although Monday's 5-0 win over local side Saint Antoni looked
impressive, little can be learnt from a performance against a non
league side.
But it could be said that the final against Coventry would be a
fairer indication of how Rangers may fare in this year's
Championship.
Once again Ian Holloway was able to give his entire squad a run out,
apart from the injured Gareth Ainsworth and Martin Rowlands.
It may have been just a pre-season tournament, but Rangers'
determination was evident from the start as the team huddle that has
become synonymous with the Superhoops was put into action.
Adam Chambers had the first effort for Rangers after Aaron Brown
whipped the ball across the face of goal, but the trialist skewed
his shot over the bar.
Rangers' task was made harder when Coventry took the lead through
Dele Adebola on 25 minutes. Clean through, the imposing forward
slotted past Jake Cole into the far corner.
Tommy Doherty was introduced when Marc Bircham went down holding his
ankle and there was more bad news for Rangers when Coventry doubled
their lead through Gary McSheffrey.
Rangers had it all to do in the second half and Dean Sturridge
wasted no time in narrowing the scoreline with a delightful shot
from the edge of the box.
Coventry's disallowed goal was a heart stopping moment for Rangers
fans, but they were soon elated with Gallen riffled the ball into
the back of the net.
There were just five minutes to sit out before the referee signalled
Rangers' European victory and what will hopefully be the first
silverware of the season.
Rangers first half: Cole, Gallen, Bircham (Doherty), Evatt, Brown,
Furlong, Rose, Miller, Bignot, Santos, Chambers
Rangers second half: Royce, Shittu, Moore, Cook, Doherty, Shimmin,
Hislop, Bean, Sturridge (Chambers), Hugo, Gallen
