RAN 2 DUT 2

RANGERS v DUNDEE UTD

- SCOTT MCDERMOTT AT IBROX

THERE was a strange feel about Ibrox for 45 minutes on Saturday - something so rare that at times you had to question whether it was really happening.

For a start, Rangers actually played well. That concept has become so alien this season, it took a bit of getting used to.

But it was more than that. For a fleeting half of football in Govan, there was no toxicity in the air. For the first time in a while players in light blue shirts could breathe.

And at certain moments, it was a joy to behold. The shadow of ex-boss Russell Martin wasn't hanging over them from the dugout. So it was as if the weight of the world had been lifted from their shoulders.

They played with freedom, like their shackles had been thrown off. They weren't chained to a system and style they were uncomfortable with.

Players were popping up in different positions on the pitch. They were even allowed to run into areas that were previously no-go zones - like the penalty box for example.

Joe Rothwell was driving forward from midfield. Oliver Antman was hugging the touchline. Whisper it but even Thelo Aasgaard turned up to score a worldie - the type of goal we were told he was capable of but hadn't yet witnessed with our own eyes.

And the Ibrox crowd responded to this unusual turn of events.

It was like the good old days. They'd pounded Dundee United, almost into submission.

A goal up at halftime but it should have been three.