Rangers delivered a thrilling 6-3 victory over Falkirk, erasing a two-goal halftime deficit in a match that highlighted their attacking firepower. The win keeps their title aspirations alive after rivals Hearts and Celtic secured points earlier in the weekend.
First-Half Struggles
Rangers’ previous visit to Falkirk Stadium in October ended in a 1-1 draw that led to significant fallout for the visiting team at the time. This return trip started disastrously, with Falkirk dominating the opening 30 minutes. The home side, led by manager John McGlynn, showcased the bold attacking style that propelled them through back-to-back promotions.
Falkirk struck first after just six minutes. Calvin Miller exploited space behind James Tavernier, delivering a low cross that Ben Broggio converted with composure past Jack Butland. The Bairns continued to thrive on the flanks, with Miller and Barney Stewart outpacing Rangers’ defense, including Emmanuel Fernandez and Nasser Djiga.
On 26 minutes, Finn Yeats curled a stunning first-time shot from a deflected cross into the far corner, doubling the lead to 2-0. Rangers appeared disjointed, lacking urgency and exposing defensive frailties reminiscent of a prior 2-0 deficit at Livingston.
Spectacular Second-Half Comeback
The turnaround ignited three minutes before halftime. After hitting the post twice, Tochi Chukwuani blasted home from a Nico Raskin cross amid controversy over whether it had gone out of play. At the interval, Danny Rohl substituted Mikey Moore for Bojan Miovski, shifting to a 4-4-2 formation.
Two minutes into the second half, Youssef Chermiti equalized with a delicate finish from Jayden Meghoma’s setup. Raskin then seized control, driving forward to score Rangers’ third with a low shot into Scott Bain’s far corner.
Miovski added the fourth, bundling in Raskin’s cross off his thigh. Falkirk responded via a penalty when Tavernier fouled Filip Lissah; Miller converted despite Butland’s save. Chermiti restored the two-goal lead, drilling home after a block on Djeidi Gassama. Miovski sealed the scoring, tapping in from Oliver Antman’s low cross.
Key Impacts and Next Steps
Raskin dominated the revival, while Rangers now boast 14 goals across their last three league games. The result boosts their goal difference, crucial for the title race, though defensive issues persist. Fans displayed a ‘keep believing’ banner at full time.
Rangers head to Spain for a training camp, while Falkirk prepare for their Scottish Cup semi-final against Dunfermline.
Match Details
Attendance: 7,750
Referee: Don Robertson
Player Ratings
Falkirk (4-2-3-1): Bain 6; Adams 7, Henderson 7, Donaldson 6, Lissah 7; Spencer 7, Tait 6 (Ross 81); Broggio 7, Yeats 7, Miller 8 (Cartwright 81); Stewart 6. Booked: Henderson, Donaldson, Tait. Manager: John McGlynn 8.
Rangers (4-2-3-1): Butland 6; Tavernier 4, Djiga 4, Fernandez 5, Meghoma 5 (Aarons 71); RASKIN 8, Chukwuani 7 (Diomande 84); Gassama 6 (Antman 84), Moore 5 (Miovski 46), Aasgaard 5 (Barron 77); Chermiti 7. Booked: Meghoma, Tavernier, Aarons, Raskin. Manager: Danny Rohl 8.
