Had Frank's shot gone in instead of being saved by Roy Carroll seconds before Rangers took the lead, Chelsea fans could be toasting a fourth pre-season win instead of commiserating over a defeat.
From the save Carroll threw the ball out to Burke who went on a lung busting run before squaring the ball inside to Novo, who had caused Chelsea problems on Rangers right, Novo took a touch and unleashed an unstoppable shot into Hilario's right hand corner of the net. No blame on Hilario and I doubt if Cech would have saved it!!
The 2nd goal came moments later this time from Rangers left. Sebo took a shot and it deflected of the unlucky Ricky high into Hilario's left hand side on the net.
2-0 to Rangers and thats how it finished.
Congratulations to Ricky who became a father again at the beginning of the week.
I was asked to provide ratings for each of the players that came onto the field, but when you look at the list of players used, it is a difficult job, but I would say on an average Chelsea were not worth more than a five (5), simply because they sat off for both of the Rangers goals and Chelsea lacked the cutting edge up front.
But I have to be honest Sidwell had a good game and so did Tal Ben-Haim. Haim's head must have been in a spin because he played right across the back - Left-back, Centre-half and Right-back.
Having said that Chelsea created chances and Pizarro had a shot cleared off the line. Lampard was denied a penalty when it looked like he was savagely cut down but more often than not, Chelsea's finishing would have graced Murrayfield more than it did at Ibrox.
Chelsea:
Cech, (Hilario45), Diarra (Carvalho 45), Ben-Haim, Terry (c), Johnson (A Cole 62), Joe Cole (Wright-Phillips 45), Sidwell, Lampard, Malouda (Mikel 45), Shevchenko (Pizarro 45), Drogba (Sinclair 70).
Booked: Malouda, Terry
Rangers:
McGregor (Carroll 45), Hutton (Murray 45), Weir (Webster 45), Cuellar, Papac (Broadfoot 45), McCulloch (Sebo 62), Brahim, Ferguson (c), Adam (Burke 81), Darcheville (Beasley 45), Boyd (Novo 45)
Goals: Novo 84, Sebo 86
Finally - your next dose of Chelsea LIVE Blogging is Tuesday, 31st July 2007, as Chelsea take on Brondby in a match that kicks off at 7.10pm