GET UP AND D'OH!

Davies rues another slow start in crunch match

- CRAIG SWAN

BEN DAVIES rued the same old sloppy start that caused more Old Firm pain for Rangers.

The Ibrox defender was left devastated after the lights on his team's title chances were just about put out by Celtic.

Entering the contest knowing a win would haul them level at the top with two games to play, Philippe Clement's team had it all on the line.

It was a huge occasion.

Motivation should have seen them burst from the traps.

Instead, despite the enormity of the occasion and those massive incentives on offer, Rangers were caught short with another flat beginning In three previous Old Firm encounters this season, the Light Blues had lost the opening goal.

Clement had warned against another hesitant opening, yet that message fell on deaf ears.

With Fabio Silva fluffing two chances against the run of play in the opening exchanges, Rangers were no better down the other end.

Lazy covering allowed home star Matt O'Riley to hammer the critical breakthrough strike before John Lundstram's misjudged attempt to deal with a Daizen Maeda cross left them with a mountain to climb again.

Last month at Ibrox, Clement's team recovered from 2-0 down to earn a draw and their hopes were briefly raised when Cyriel Dessers reduced the deficit.