Reaction

Barry Smith’s Alloa Athletic side recorded one of the club’s most historic results on Saturday at Ibrox, coming from behind to secure a well earned draw, the first time “The Wasps” had scored at Ibrox since Willie Crilley had scored on 26th February, 1921. Liam Buchanan scoring six minutes after the home side had taken the lead, Alloa Athletic showed great quality and determination to score a goal of their own, following a great move Kevin Cawley’s shot was parried by Rangers keeper Steve Simonsen and Liam Buchanan was alert to score his 7th goal in the last 8 matches for “The Wasps” slamming the ball high into the net.

Rangers had opportunities in the first half with Craig McDowall saving well from Kris Boyd & Lewis MacLeod, who had been allowed to play for the home side having been called up to Scotland International squad earlier in the week.

Alloa played their own part in the game with Daryll Meggatt, Michael Doyle & Kevin Cawley having efforts saved. The result was no less than “The Wasps” deserved on a day the Alloa players and fans will never forget.

barry smith after draw at ibrox

I think we should focus on how good Alloa were in the game, for as much as people will talk about how Rangers played, I am not interested in how Rangers played but how Alloa Athletic played, and I think all the credit should go for the way we came here and defended resolutely but also when we had the chance to play, we played. The goal summed that up, and I just keep telling Liam to keep doing what he is doing, by putting the ball in the back of the net, he works hard and deserves the goals that he is scoring because of his work rate. Our hard work has been behind our best results this season, these boys never know when to give in, they give everything they have got and we have a wee bit of quality in there as well which can win games or get results, but their hard work is second to none. I think a lot of credit should go to our players they played some very good football and the goal was a good goal, we kept the ball and they work hard to be able to show they can play that football, so the work rate comes first then we know given the chance we will keep the ball and play and create opportunities. It was good to get a quick reply after Rangers had went in the lead, but I know my players will never give in and they never let their heads go down and sometimes teams go to Ibrox and loose a goal and it becomes three or four but we always knew we were in that game and to score so soon after Rangers had taken the lead was pleasing to me. The semi final match is still a few weeks away and we will concentrate on that  nearer the time when it comes around, our next important game is against Falkirk next week.