St Johnstone 0 Rangers 1: Saints offer improved performance but exit Scottish Cup at fourth round stage
dailyrecord.co.ukAn improved St Johnstone performance was not enough to avoid exiting the Scottish Cup at the fourth round stage.Saints had looked far more structured and hard to break down across the evening but Borna Barisic’s impressive finish on the stroke of half-time was enough to secure Rangers’ progression in the competition.The build-up had been dominated by the decision to hand the opposition three of the four McDiarmid Park stands, as well as the pricing structure of £30 for adults and £20 for concessions.
It had not gone down well.On the playing front, manager Callum Davidson had hinted at changes and made five from the painful result and performance against Livingston last weekend.James Brown, Cammy MacPherson, Dan Phillips, Melker Hallberg and Connor McLennan were all handed the opportunity to impress.Dropping out completely was Ryan McGowan - he has a groin injury - while Alex Mitchell, Graham Carey, David Wotherspoon and Nicky Clark settled for a spot on the bench.Not been witnessed much this season, Saints had four across the backline.
Brown on the right, Liam Gordon and Andy Considine in the centre and Adam Montgomery out left.It appeared to be a four in front of them.
Drey Wright, MacPherson, Phillips and McLennan. More advanced and playing off Stevie May was Hallberg.Saints, going against the form book in recent weeks, had actually started pretty well and looked comfortable enough in possession.
Read more on dailyrecord.co.uk