Rangers travelled north tonight for the Carling Cup second round (no I didn't realise they had a second round in this cup either) to face the former love of Gianni Paladini's life Port Vale.

After Saturdays at times comical performance it was no surprise to see Gary Waddock make several changes. At the back Marcus Bignot made a welcome return in place of Matthew Rose. Pat Kanyuka made his first start since April 2005 alongside Damion Stewart whilst Milanese continue at left back.

Stefan Bailey replaced Baidoo in midfield with Ward going out wide whilst transfer listed Marc Bircham was handed the captains armband. Waddock went with Nygaard and Czerkas up front.

The game started well for Rangers as we pushed Port Vale on the back foot straight away, Bailey and Bircham were full of bite in midfield with Cook providing the creativity out wide. It was no surprise when Rangers took the lead on nine minutes and it was thoroughly deserved. The Port Vale keeper made a mess of his clearance and Nygaard capitalised to win the ball and take his chance well for his first goal of the season.

The 250 travelling fans were now in good voice and right behind the side as we controlled the game but as has happened so often this season the teams defending let us down as Port Vale got back into the game. Marcus Bignot was at fault as Smith was given space to volley past Cole to make it 1-1. It was a well-taken goal and one that saw Rangers once again fall apart.

All the early composure quickly disappeared as we struggled to keep possession and Port Vale used the width of the pitch to their advantage as they always do against us. Rangers were all over the place as Sodje hit the post with a header and Whitaker scored the rebound to give his side the lead.

This was our cue to raise the white flag and fall apart some more. Jake Cole fell to pieces flapping at every cross and Port Vale had enough chances to score four or five. It was Colchester all over again and Gary Waddock must have been desperate for half time.

So too was Marc Nygaard who had seen enough and decided to limp off with his latest mystery injury. I expect that's the last we'll see of him for a few months. Ray Jones replaced Nygaard and was only on for a minute before half time came and a chance to sort things out.

Listening on BBC London it was interesting to hear Paul parker comment on the team. He said almost the same as every fan is saying in that we have no pace up front with Nygaard/Czerkas starting and the defence badly needs a leader to organise them. Until that player his signed we are going to continue to concede goals.

Waddock's answer was to replace Milanese with Rose at left back and Rangers started the second half a little better as Port Vale sat back. Nick Ward went close in a bright start to the half but as soon s Port Vale got wide and put crosses in again we fell apart.

Every corner was mission impossible for Jake Cole who just couldn't deal with them and as he flapped at another set piece Walker headed home from close range to make it 3-1.

So another cup exit loomed but Rangers kept going and got one back with 13 minutes left. It came from a Cook free kick, which was turned in by Damion Stewart to give Rangers hope. Port Vale were rattled but Rangers could offer little in the way of creativity and only a last gasp Shabazz Baidoo shot gave hope but that went narrowly wide.

In truth Vale could and should have scored a fourth but will no doubt be happy with a win against Championship opposition. So another defeat for Rangers and the pressure is really now on Gary Waddock.

By the sound of the commentary Pat Kanyuka did himself proud but the performances of Nygaard, Jake Cole, Milanese and Czerkas were very forgettable.

I have to say I do feel sorry for the Rangers manager. He's not having much luck with injuries and was missing the likes of Rowlands, Gallen, Ainsworth, Blackstock and Paul Jones tonight who are key players for us. Whether he gets the chance to get those players fit and playing again remains to be seen.

If I was Waddock I'd be doing everything to bring in and experience central defender for that game. Someone like Matt Jackson on loan would be ideal. This is something we should have done ages ago and our failure to do that has resulted in chaos in our back four and ultimately could cost Waddock his job.

Saturday's game now looks like D Day for Waddock. Defeat in that one and he really doesn't have a leg to stand on.

Speaking to the official web site after the game he said: "It's difficult to sum up. At 1-0 up we were comfortable, but we're out of the Cup because of our own silly mistakes, yet again. We approached the game in the right manner and in the opening exchanges we felt quite comfortable. But there is an obvious lack of confidence at the moment and that's because of our results.

"The players fought which was an improvement from Saturday and I can't fault their effort and commitment, but we've lost and it's a habit I don't like.''

"Saturday's match is a massive one now, not just for me and the players, but for the whole Club.''