LEANNE CRICHTON says she was delighted with the levels that her Rangers side hit in this afternoon’s 11-0 victory over Hamilton Academical in league action.
The Gers netted eight times in a relentless first-half, propelled by a Laura Berry hat-trick, before Sophie Black, Calliste Brookshire and Katie Wilkinson put the finishing touches on the win in the second period.
Speaking to RangersTV after the match, a delighted Crichton said of her side’s display: “The victory is one thing, and every game between now and the end of the season we’re focussed on the three points and how many points we can amass, but I think the performance levels was the most pleasing aspect this afternoon.
“I thought the professionalism and respect that we gave Hamilton in preparation for this game, we knew how important it was going to be to start the game really well.
“We made a number of changes across the group, and we wanted those players to come in to the group and feel at home and start the game as well as they possibly could.
“The first 45 minutes of football was some of the best stuff that you’ll see this season. People can speak about budgets and resources, and teams being at the top end and bottom end of the table, but I don’t think there’s anything that any side could have done this afternoon.
“The relationships, communication, movement, and the tempo and intensity, then the ruthlessness to finish the chances we created, was outstanding.
“In the second half we always knew it would be difficult to live up to that type of standard.
“We wanted to make changes and get players off to rest and recover as quickly as we can.
“You were always going to lose a bit of rhythm within that, but I thought we finished the game really strongly as well.
"It shows the depth that we have in the group, which is the most satisfying thing.”
It was a difficult to single out a Gers performer such was the impressive showing, but it was an important afternoon for Academy graduate Black who netted her first Rangers goal in the second half with a terrific strike.
On the young midfielder’s development, Crichton continued: “Sophie Black is another one who came in today and took her goal exceptionally well.
“She’s managed to do that in training since we’ve brought her back in. She has been superb and has had to bide her time.
“It’s so competitive in that midfield just now, and her minutes have been few and far between.
“But the type of character and young player she is, that’s the type of quality that she has.”
The victory was capped off with a late appearance for Brogan Hay, who marked her return to the pitching following an injury lay-off.
Crichton added: “We know how long Brogan has had to wait to get back. It was an injury that didn’t feel as if it was going to be such a long-term thing.
“We’ve been without her for a huge part of the season now, but the most rewarding thing is that she’s back on the pitch.
“You could hear the reception of the fans and teammates coming on today. She looked bright and lively, and she just needs a bit more time on the training pitch to get back up to speed.”
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