Source: Team_Talk
Lafferty limps off in Gers defeat
athan Burns scored the only goal as Rangers were beaten 1-0 by AEK Athens in their final Sydney Festival of Football on Saturday.[LNB] Despite turning in a good performance in an occasionally niggly game, Walter Smith's side succumbed to a 72nd minute goal from AEK's Australian substitute Burns.[LNB]It was a disappointing result for the Light Blues who had already beaten Blackburn and drawn with Sydney and left the Greek side as Festival winners.[LNB]However, the Rangers boss will be more concerned with the fitness of striker Kyle Lafferty, who limped off in the first half with what appeared to be a groin injury, the same complaint which caused defender Andy Webster to miss the match.[LNB]Smith made two changes for the final game of their trip to Australia, bringing in number one keeper Allan McGregor for Neil Alexander while Madjid Bougherra replaced Webster.[LNB]On a heavy pitch, it was the Greek side who came close in the 11th minute when Nikos Lyberopoulos curled a free-kick just past the post from 25 yards, before he tested McGregor with a shot from distance.[LNB]In the 27th minute John Fleck replaced Lafferty who headed straight up the tunnel appearing hold his groin.[LNB]Moments later Rangers defender Steven Whittaker crossed for striker Kenny Miller who was inches away from connecting six yards out.[LNB]Then Lee McCulloch took a pass from Maurice Edu and had a go from distance only to see AEK keeper Sebastian Saja make a good save, repeating it seconds later from a McCulloch header.[LNB]Rangers grew stronger and in the 42nd minute Bougherra headed just wide with the goal gaping and a minute later, following some intense pressure, the Algerian international blasted over from close range when he should have opened the scoring.[LNB]Just on the half-time whistle Whittaker was taken down in the box by Nikolaos Karabelas but strong penalty claims were ignored by referee Matthew Breeze.[LNB]The Ibrox side started the second half strongly and Miller steered a header wide of the target from a Steven Naismith cross.[LNB]But Rangers were made to pay for their missed chances when Karabelas crossed from the left for Burns to put the Greeks ahead.[LNB]The Scottish champions responded positively and Andy Little, on for Miller, made keeper Saja punch clear and with his first touch.[LNB]But in the 77th minute AEK should have doubled their lead when Kirk Broadfoot's hurried pass was intercepted but McGregor spread himself to deny Rafik Djebbour.
