Hearts hoped they held the aces but it was Jack who came up trumps for Rangers in the Scottish Cup Final.
Ryan Jack’s extra-time thunderbolt and Scott Wright’s equally impressive clincher ensured the Scottish Cup is heading to Ibrox after yet another exhausting 120 minutes for Gio van Bronckhorst ’s side.
Not that his squad of players ever contemplate folding.
George Wilson, West Sussex, said: “A great end to a great season for an amazingly fit Rangers team who just don’t know when to stop. They’re a credit to the coaching staff at Ibrox. We faltered in the league courtesy of a few draws in January and February but by the end of the season we were the strongest team.”
Alan McGaw, Alloa, said: “Rangers fully deserved the cup as we finished stronger in extra time again. Considering the Europa League final was 72 hours beforehand, were Rangers running on extra long life energised Duracell batteries because this was our 65th game this season? What a player Calvin Bassey has been this last three months and he fully deserved the man of the match twice in three days.”
And Joe Graham, Garrowhill, beamed: “Rangers more than deserved to give Gio his first silverware. They were by far the better team and have actually been the best team in Scotland this season. Rangers have played more games this season than anyone else in the SPFL. Next season now really looks good for them to prove they are the best in Scotland and maybe Europe as well.”
Meanwhile, Barrimore Barlow, Dunbartonshire, said: “A year ago Rangers fans were clamouring for Nathan Patterson to replace James Tavernier because he couldn't defend. Take a look now, Patterson has played 45 minutes for Everton and is injured, Tavernier is the top scorer in Europa League. Is Southgate watching?”
Thomas Marshall emailed with a message for contract rebel Connor Goldson: “If Connor Goldson wants to leave let him go. He will soon find out no other club in the world are like Rangers. The fans at both finals were amazing, where will he get that? Nowhere.”
It wasn’t all joy on the Hotline though.
Hurting Hearts fan Ian Jardine, Brechin, groaned: “Rangers should have been tired after their European exploits and Hearts will never have a better chance to beat them. However, Rangers created six great chances to Hearts one. John Souttar was Hearts best player, and he hasn't played for two months due to injury. Thousands of Hearts supporters let down by an average and lacklustre performance. A striker must be top priority at Tynecastle.”
David Bryce, Troon, took aim at Robbie Neilson. He fired: “Congratulations to Rangers. However for Hearts to go 120 minutes without having a shot on target in a cup final is absolutely disgraceful. There is no way Hearts cannot get a better manager than Robbie Neilson. Given the players at his disposal, he is underachieving hugely.”
It wasn’t just Neilson and Hearts coming under fire for their performance either. Look away now Willie Collum!
Grant Parker emailed: “Once again instead of the game being about the two sides it has become the Willie Collum show. He ruined the entire match with his incompetence and arrogance. How many times do we have to tolerate this from the SFA?”
Finally, Hibs fan John Scott, Grassmoor, couldn’t resist a dig at Hearts.
He said: “I'm biased as hell for sure but spare me the Hearts did well this season. For a start who comes away from a cup final without a single shot on target over 120 minutes. If that's our country’s third best team then we're in big trouble. This year Hibs, Aberdeen and double cup winners St Johnstone were truly woeful. Never mind not challenging Hearts for third it's disgraceful both Hibs and Aberdeen couldn't challenge Ross County,
"Motherwell and Dundee United are in for a top six place.”
