Rangers booked a third trip to Hampden this season as they eased into Monday's Scottish Cup semi-final draw with a comfortable 3-0 win over Raith Rovers at Ibrox Stadium.
It wasn't a vintage display by Michael Beale's men but they were never in any serious danger of being on the end of a giant killing against the gritty Championship side. Connor Goldson's header late in the first half saw them get the breakthrough after the Fifers frustrated them for much of the opening 45 minutes and the unfortunate Ryan Nolan's own goal in the second half killed off any hope for Ian Murray's men. Scott Arfield slotted home the third after coming on as a sub to put a bit of gloss to the scoreline.
John Lundstram was the only change from the team that impressed so much in the midweek win over Hibs at Easter Road with Ryan Jack, arguably the best performer in that game, sitting this one out as Beale revealed they are managing a calf issue with the midfielder.
It was the Fifers who had the first effort with an audacious long ranger from Ismael Goncalves as he capitalised on sloppy play from Connor Goldson and tried to catch Allan McGregor off his line, but it was just wide of target. However, the home side had all of the possession after that and it was just about finding the breakthrough. Skipper James Tavernier was denied by a brilliant Jamie MacDonald save and Goldson’s shot was blocked on the line.
It was a frustrating first half for the Light Blues as they failed to get through a wall of fusion pink jerseys. Antonio Colak headed wide of target and Lundstram fired over the crossbar before the breakthrough finally arrived three minutes before half-time. Borna Barisic had sent in plenty of inviting crosses in the first half with nobody taking advantage but the reward finally came when Goldson towered above the rest to plant a header beyond a helpless MacDonald from the Croat’s corner.
The game followed the same pattern in the second half and Gers doubled their lead just before the hour - with a little help from the visitors. Tavernier’s cross from the right didn’t appear to be causing any danger but the unfortunate Nolan’s attempted clearance went horribly wrong as he scooped it over a helpless MacDonald.
That left the Fifers with a mountain to climb and allowed the home side to make changes with Beale throwing on Ridvan Yilmaz for his first game since the end of October, Arfield and injury-plagued John Souttar. Arfield netted the third goal with just minutes left on the clock. Here are three talking points from Ibrox...
Old Firm final on the cards?
It’s 21 years since Rangers and Celtic last contested the season showpiece at Hampden and it’s a mouthwatering prospect after the pair contested the first domestic piece of silverware later month. That 2002 meeting was an absolute thriller as Peter Lovenkrands netted a last-gasp header to seal the trophy with the odd goal in five. There will be the usual conspiracies over the hot and cold balls ahead of Monday night’s draw to keep the great Glasgow rivals apart and ensure the potential for the pair to clash at Hampden on June 3 is kept alive.
Angry bears
A Sunday lunchtime in miserable weather against a Championship side was never likely to be bring out the best atmosphere at Ibrox Stadium. And that’s when you really need the Union Bears to create a bit of noise and colour.
And their absence was really felt as the ultras group opted to stay away with their usual packed section empty in protest after the removal of “highly offensive” banners. Michael Beale has called for unity but that could be some way off as the fans’ group are disgruntled at the gap to Celtic.
Murray’s men focus on promotion and SPFL Trust trophy
Raith Rovers caused the shock of the last round when they stunned top flight Motherwell and his side put in a real shift at Ibrox before the home side’s quality showed. They lost the opener at the worst possible time, right before the break, which changed Ian Murray’s half-time team talk. It was always going to be a huge ask but ex-Ger Murray is a manager on the rise and his team can now look to try to get into the Championship play-offs as well as having the Challenge Cup final against Hamilton Accies to look forward to.
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