In another poor away performance, Rangers managed to grind out a win by a solitary goal against Forres Mechanics in the Scottish Cup.

This kind of game can happen, but the most concerning aspect for club and fans alike is that this is not a one-off. The seeming inability to pass a ball and keep any form of tempo outside home territory is baffling, especially when, against Motherwell, they showed that they can play with intensity.

As Rangers manager Ally McCoist told the post-match press conference: “It was a relief to win as we were not good today. It’s obviously a bit of a helter-skelter we are on at the moment, and in particular this season - that was evident today.

“As happy as I am to be in the next round, I don’t think I would be doing my job if I didn’t register my disappointment at the way we played and passed the ball.

“The result against Motherwell was very good, and the level of performance was very pleasing. So for us to put in the level of performance we did today was disappointing, but we are through so I have to balance it out.”

So being critical comes from the very top, but this was a team filled with 17-22 year olds, playing without Sandaza, Templeton, Shiels, Little and Black. Young teams are notoriously hot and cold, and while they should still have played much better, it isn’t too damaging. On this occasion, at least, they deserve some slack.

That’s especially true when the one striker tactic from the manager doesn't help. If you follow me here on ESPN FC, you will know this is something I often say, so I won’t repeat myself too much - but such a formation is badly hindering this group of players.

If the Rangers manager changes to at least two up front, I believe you will see an immediate improvement. Two strikers together means they can support each other. One striker (and this is the crucial part) can only work with a high-tempo midfield. Rangers are playing the opposite of this, so it only exacerbates the underlying problems.

Although there wasn’t much else to discuss in the match - it was more bland than bad - there were a few bright spots for the Ibrox side.

Twenty-year-old striker Kal Naismith scored his first goal for the club. It might only be against Forres Mechanics in front of a few thousand people, but scoring his first goal for the Rangers in the Scottish Cup is something that should give him great confidence for the future.

The second is Neil Alexander. He was always an able replacement for Allan McGregor, but he was efficient rather than spectacular. However, against Forres and the ‘Well, he has gone without any action for long spells and then pulled off a great save to keep a Rangers clean sheet.

Other than the win, these might be the only positives from a forgettable game, but the history books will show a Rangers victory and that is what counts during this transition period. The Light Blues progress to the next round, and no harm done.

However, while Motherwell at Ibrox was the big test against SPL opposition, the next game, away to Stirling Albion, will give us a better idea of whether the players have finally taken control of their destiny, or are now locked in a pattern of (mostly) comfortable home wins and away-day disasters.

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