Rangers' domination of the Scottish soccer scene looks to be over after
this sensational defeat at Ibrox today.
Substitute Ally Mitchell struck the winner in the dying seconds of the game
to give Kilmarnock a shock victory.
Sub John Hendry delivered a cross from the right and Mitchell got clear at
the back post to tuck the ball beyond keeper Antti Niemi.
It now means that Celtic will become champions if they beat Dunfermline at
East End Park tomorrow.
Rangers' players thumped the turf in frustration at the end of the game and
the fans were stunned into silence.
But probably no-one was more disappointed than manager Walter Smith as this
was his last appearance at the ground.
Skipper Richard Gough who is joining San Jose Earthquakes and Chelsea-bound
Brian Laudrup were also making their final bows.
Rangers welcomed back Italian defenders Lorenzo Amoruso and Sergio Porrini
after a one-match suspension and a hamstring problem. But keeper Andy Goram
and midfielder Jonas Thern were both ruled out because of hamstring injuries.
Kilmarnock, chasing a UEFA Cup place, were without Scotland B striker Paul
Wright, who is struggling with a back injury.
Kilmarnock looked edgy in the opening stages with Jim Lauchlan heading away
a cross from Gordon Durie in the third minute after keeper Gordon Marshall had
come off his line.
Rangers came forward in numbers and three minutes later Gough headed wide
following a free kick from Jorg Albertz on the left.
Albertz, named Player of the Month yesterday, was the champions most
influential player in the first half.
He released Gordon Durie in the 19th minute but the Scotland striker's touch
let him down and the ball was scrambled away.
Kilmarnock grew in confidence and should have taken the lead ten minutes
before the break.
French striker Jerome Vareille thumped in a fierce shot from an acute angle
with Rangers defence all over the park.
Keeper Antti Niemi did well to parry his effort, only to see it land at the
feet of Mark Reilly but the Kilmarnock midfielder scuffed his shot and dragged
the ball wide of the post.
The Ibrox fans were becoming increasingly frustrated and their anxiety
spread to the players.
Defender Amoruso tried a speculative shot from 30 yards that went wide of
the target then Rino Gattuso sent an effort into the crowd.
Ibrox boss Smith decided to shake things up at the break bringing off
defender Joachim Bjorklund and replacing the Swede with Ally McCoist.
The Scotland striker so often a hero at Ibrox became a villain in the 50th
minute with a glaring miss.
Porrini released Laudrup down the right and he found McCoist in the penalty
area. But his shot was poorly struck and only found the body of keeper Marshall
when it seemed he must score.
Rangers had another scare in the 61st minute when Vareille put Gus McPherson
clear with no-one marking him.
McPherson advanced into the penalty area but like McCoist his finish was
poor and Niemi was not troubled.
Rangers stepped up the pressure and it needed a brilliant stop from former
Celtic number one Marshall to keep out a shot from Laudrup.
The homse side were again out of luck with five minutes to go as Gough
headed into Marshall's hands.
Then came that dramatic winner from Mitchell. While Rangers were
disconsolate at the end, Kilmarnock players celebrated knowing their dream of
playing in the UEFA Cup next season is still alive.
Teams:
Rangers: Niemi, Cleland, Porrini (Ferguson 70), Gough, Amoruso,
Bjorklund (McCoist 45), McCall (Durrant 80), Gattuso, Durie,
Albertz, Laudrup.
Kilmarnock: Marshall, MacPherson, Kerr, Lauchlan, Montgomerie,
Reilly, Nevin, Holt, Roberts (McGowne 85), Vareille (Henry 80),
Burke (Mitchell 67).
Booked: Marshall.
Goals: Mitchell 90.
Att: 50,116
Ref: B Tait (East Kilbride).
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