article_snippet: but, in truth, this was a victory that had foundations laid long before kick-off.
article_snippet: It worked, and contributed to a fractured opening period in which clear sights of goal were at a premium.
article_snippet: It wasn’t bringing about a huge amount in the way of free-flowing entertainment but this at least now looked more like a toe-to-toe contest between well-matched opponents.
article_snippet: A couple of set-piece exchanges then caused flickers of threat at either end.
article_snippet: The question was whether they could hold onto the advantage they had finally gained.
article_snippet: Yet the pattern of play remained similar after the restart.
article_snippet: It was tense, often scrappy, and with the Ibrox side winning marginally more of the numerous little battles.
article_snippet: The game found fresh impetus after the hour-mark, however, as each side let slip a prime opportunity.
article_snippet: At last, there was a stretched, open look to The game.