RANGERS continued their defence of the Scottish Cup with victory over Partick Thistle on a day of drama and controversy at Ibrox.
Goals from Antonio Colak, Malik Tillman and James Sands won it for Michael Beale’s side but this was far from a straightforward derby success. Thistle took the lead with a disputed Kevin Holt penalty and were then allowed to equalise through Scott Tiffoney after a quick call from Beale.
The Jags can be proud of their efforts in a headline-grabbing encounter. But it was Rangers that took another step on the road to Hampden to keep their silverware dreams alive.
A TOUCH OF CLASS FROM BEALE
As everyone around him at Ibrox lost their heads, Beale kept his and showed a touch of class and sportsmanship that he should be applauded for. It was accepted with a shake of hand from Ian McCall and the respect between the men and managers was evident.
Tillman had nicked the ball from Holt as he collected a Harry Milne shy and attempted to return it up the pitch after a stoppage. Ironically, it was for a challenge on Tillman and Colak had put the ball out.
The American sensed an opportunity and scored to make it 2-1 but Thistle were furious and a melee erupted as the players debated a huge talking point and tempers flared. On the touchline, Beale made his call and instructed his side to let Thistle score as Tiffoney, albeit after a joking intervention from Allan McGregor, scored to bring the tie level.
It was a brave call from Beale and a time when there was plenty on the line and Rangers were far from certain to go on and win the game at that stage. The rights and wrongs of the incident will be discussed in full, but the Englishman deserved credit for his selfless act.
In the end, it worked out for Rangers as Sands headed home, with the aid of a deflection off Connor McAvoy, as Beale’s side secured their place in the next round. Beale got what he merited.
FARCICAL PENALTY CALL
Thistle deserved their lead at the break. Take nothing away from the performance of the Jags, or the cool, composed manner in which Holt slotted home from the spot.
As he sent McGregor the wrong way and found the bottom corner, those decked out in red and yellow in the corner had something to celebrate.
But the manner of the opening goal was farcical. In a season of bewildering, bemusing decisions from the on-field officials and their counterparts behind the screens, this one was right up there with the worst of the lot as a Holt header hit an innocent, helpless Colak on the arm.
The Croatian was a couple of yards away as he jumped at the back post and saw the ball strike him. It would have been farcical to have given it in real time, but it is even worse for it to be awarded after having the benefit of numerous replays and angles.
Given the standard of officiating at times this term, it should perhaps be no surprise that such a woeful call could be made. It was a shocker from David Munro.
With the assistance of VAR official Steven Kirkland, Munro made the right call to award Rangers a penalty when Stuart Bannigan bundled over Tillman.
It was only the Thistle fans, and keeper Jamie Sneddon, that wanted to see the replays of the next action, though, as he stood his ground and punched away Tavernier’s effort as the captain missed once again from 12 yards.
JAGS CAN BE PROUD
Rangers were rightly bemused at the decision that resulted in them falling behind but they could have no complaints at the scoreline at that stage. The Jags were delirious, and deservedly so.
Beale had been complimentary about the way that McCall’s side operate in the build-up to this fifth round fixture. He would have been expecting this kind of showing from the visitors but it looked like the message hadn’t got across to so many of his players as Rangers toiled.
The best chances of the first half fell to Thistle. Tiffoney fired over from a tight angle and McGregor had to make a smart stop to divert a low free-kick from Kyle Turner that looked to be heading in at the near post.
Another block to thwart Tiffoney just minutes later was even better. Rangers failed to clear their lines in the area and Tiffoney’s powerful strike was palmed away.
Chances were harder to come by for most of the second half for Thistle but their effort was admirable and there wasn’t a failure in red and yellow as McCall’s side showed what they were capable of on the Ibrox stage.
The Championship promotion race has always been their main concern this term. On this showing, that target is one that they should be confident of reaching after a bold, brave showing here.
CHANGES HAD TO BE MADE AT THE BREAK
The words of Beale would have been ringing in the ears of the Rangers side as they emerged from the tunnel before the second half. Rangers were out some time before the officials and their opposition and it was no surprise to see Ryan Kent and Kemar Roofe enter the action.
Those that they replaced – Ianis Hagi and Todd Cantwell – could have no complaints about seeing their respective outings come to a premature end. In truth, Beale could have hooked any combination of players after a wretched first 45 minutes.
This was an important afternoon for Hagi as he made his first start since returning to the squad against St Johnstone a couple of weeks ago. The plan would surely have been to get him more game time under his belt but the situation was too urgent for that and the Romanian looked like a player that was still short of sharpness and game nous as – a tame shot from distance apart – he struggled to assert himself on proceedings.
The same could be said of Cantwell. This should have been a straightforward run-out for the midfielder and allowed him to take another step in the right direction after a positive start to life at Ibrox.
He was largely ineffective, though. Too many passes went astray as the flicks were intercepted and the Thistle defence tracked his runs well and it turned into a frustrating outing.
Rangers were better after the interval and deserved to win the tie. But the performances of so many will concern Beale and the win was the main positive for him to take out of this one.
FIRST PROPER LOOK AT RASKIN
The main takeaway from Raskin’s debut against Ross County last weekend seemed to be chat about his socks. This time all the focus was on his football rather than his footwear.
Beale detailed the role that he sees the former Standard Liege star playing ahead of the Staggies fixture and hinted that it would be rare to see Raskin and Glen Kamara in the same midfield. He insisted that they could play together but he spoke of them being similar in style and it would be no surprise to see the partnership prove to be a fleeting one between now and the end of the campaign.
This wasn’t a good afternoon for Kamara. His season has been permeated by slack showings like the one produced here and it was the latest addition to the midfield that was the more impressive of the two.
It took time for Raskin to get into it but he showed signs of what he will bring to the team and he got his first assist for the club as a neat cross was headed home by Colak.
The battle for that berth will be between Raskin and Kamara going forward. The Belgian has staked his claim for a start against Livingston and another at Hampden would be a real show of faith from Beale.
