Man By Man

May 25 2008 By Gavin Berry

Rangers

NEIL ALEXANDER 6

MUST have wondered what was happening when he conceded twice in quick succession at the start of the second half despite hardly having had a save to make up until then. No blame could be attached to him as his defence offered no help on both occasions.

STEVEN WHITTAKER 5

THERE were appeals for a penalty when he appeared to nudge O'Connor in the box but Stuart Dougal was having none of it. Did well in the first half to keep Jamie McQuilken quiet but failed to tackle Stevie Tosh at Queen of the South's first goal within minutes of the restart.

CARLOS CUELLAR 5

THE Spaniard needed all his physical attributes against Sean O'Connor and he didn't disappoint. Pulled out of a tackle on O'Connor to avoid conceding a penalty, although it led to Queen of the South's first goal. He then lost Jim Thomson for the equaliser. Still looked solid in the Gers defence.

DAVIE WEIR 7

DIDN'T put a foot wrong and wasn't to blame for either of Queen of the South's goals. The cup final was the end of an incredible campaign for the veteran central defender and few players deserved to end the season lifting silverware more than the former Everton man.

SASA PAPAC 6

COULD have done better when he allowed Stephen Dobbie to skip away from him in the build-up to Queen of the South's first goal. But, that apart, the Bosnian was as solid in the left-back role as he has been all season and Rangers' unsung hero was deserved his winners' medal.

LEE McCULLOCH 5

BACK in the starting line-up after a spell out injured and was booked after just three minutes for a late challenge on Bob Harris. Used on the right of midfield then switched to left when DaMarcus Beasley went off, but never really got involved in the game.

BARRY FERGUSON 6

HAS tired towards end of the season and again looked to be feeling the effects but gave it his all and was the best of the central midfielders. Will be disappointed he didn't track Stevie Tosh's run for Queens' first goal and could have got on the scoresheet at death.

KEVIN THOMSON 5

NOT one of the former Hibs man's better displays although at times he looked to be struggling with an injury. Has certainly been a bigger influence in other games this season despite trying his best to help lift Rangers after the Doonhamers drew level.

DAMARCUS BEASLEY 7

LIVELY first-half display and great way for the American to end debut season. Cashed in on defensive mix-up to give Gers a 2-0 lead after winning the free-kick for the opener and delivered corner for Kris Boyd's winner. Went off injured with 15 minutes left.

KRIS BOYD 8

HANDED a rare start by Walter Smith and repaid his boss with a thunderous free-kick to give Rangers the lead before heading home the winner. Loves the Hampden stage with this his second Cup final double of the season after bagging two against Dundee United in the CIS Cup.

JEAN-CLAUDE DARCHEVILLE 5

FRUSTRATING afternoon for the Frenchman who partnered Boyd but was in the shadow of his team-mate. Worked hard as he always does but it was to no avail as nothing seemed to come off and was too often on the fringes of the action. No surprise when subbed late on.

SUBS: STEVE DAVIS (3) replaced injured DaMarcus Beasley for what could well be his last game for Rangers with his loan spell now up. Talented youngster JOHN FLECK (2) only had five minutes to enjoy the final but will no doubt have many more ahead of him.