More than 18,000 fans turned up last night to cheer on the Blues-both Belfast and Glasgow varieties.Glasgow Rangers took on Linfield at Windsor park in their final warm up game before the scottish football season starts.A huge scottish contingent made the journey across the Irish sea while local supporters flocked from all over Northern Ireland.
Alex McLeish,Rangers' new Messiah who steered the Ibrox giants to a League cup and Scottish Cup double last season,was given a standing ovation by 18,000 ecstatic fans as the Glasgow club bridged an 18 year gap since they last played at Windsor park.It was an evening of wonderful nostalgia and carnival celebration before the kick off,But,as so often happens,the pre match build up was much more exciting and entertaining than the tepid offering provided by the players.Rangers striker Billy Dodds ended some growing agitation with a somewhat fortunate goal on 29minutes,and 14 minutes from time Tore Andre Flo finished off some eye catching approach play by substitute Russell Latapy.
Australian Kevin Muscat,a 26 year old right back and a summer signing from Wolves,was given a golden opportunity to shine during the festival occasion and his excellent right wing cross laid the foundations for the opening strike.Dodds was in the right place at the right time to block an attempted clearance by Linfields ginger haired center back Darren Murphy,and young goalkeeper Alan Mannus apeared to be unsighted as the ball went into the right corner of the net.On eight minutes,Mannus was too quick for the fumbling Flo getting in ahead of the Norwegian after an excellent cross from Cristian Nerlinger.Linfield grew in stature once they overcame their admiration of a famous foe.Rangers appeared somewhat indifferent.The home based League cup and Irish cup winners began to put some bite into the occasion and on nine minutes there was consternation in the Rangers defence after lively teenager Stephen Shaw forced a corner.Full back Pat McShane floated over a deep teasing cross and Jamie Marks,who gave Rangers left back Mo Ross a difficult evening,heading down before the ball was scrambled clear.
Lanky Flo had an opportunity again,after enterprise by Muscat but the fellow looked sheepish when he passed the ball to Linfield's Marks-even though Rangers were in their traditional Blue,the blues were decked out in yellow tops!.Micheal Mols was denied a close range chance,following Neill McCann's left wing cross as Darren Murphy bravely stuck his head in front of the Rangers superstar.Later,Murphy charged into the back of Flo and McCann's screaming left-footer flew inches wide.Linfield's new signing Dickson,normally a centre back,immpressed in the midfield and persistent Marks forced another corner off skipper Bert Konterman in the 29th minute.Mols,now bringing greater urgency to the Glasgow side's play brought a wonder save from Mannus on 39 minutes.Moments later Linfield lost their striker Chris Morgan.Earlier in the action he came off second best in a collision with McGregor and was forced to retire because of a back injury.He was replaced by Justin McBride.Inside the opening 15 minutes of the second half Linfield brought off Shaw and Marks and sent on Stuart King and Gareth Skates.On 65 minutes Rangers made a significant alteration.
Into the action went 33 year old Trinidad and Tobago midfield international as Mols was reeled ashore.Latapy had a huge influence on the second goal in the 76th minute.There was dazzling approach play before Latapy left Flo a fairly straightforward finish to give Mannus no chance.Shota Arveladze replaced Flo five minutes from the end.Linfield sent on Mark Picking for Murphy,on 74 minutes,and nine minutes from time a double substitution with Peter Thompson replacing Lee Feeney and Miguel Chines taking over for Glenn Ferguson.
