Jamie MacDonald

Mar 12, 2023

Rangers 3-0 Raith Rovers: Scottish Cup holders ease to semis Scottish Cup holders Rangers eased past Raith Rovers at Ibrox to progress to the competition’s semi-finals. Connor Goldson’s goal on the brink of half-time was well-deserved, before Ryan Nolan’s unfortunate own-goal and Scott Arfield’s injury-time strike. Michael Beale’s side dominated proceedings and never looked like losing to their Championship opposition. Rangers now join Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Celtic in the final four. The draw for the semi-finals follows Falkirk v Ayr United on Monday, live on BBC Scotland. Incredibly, Raith Rovers almost opened the scoring in spectacular circumstances when Isma Goncalves tried to lob Allan McGregor from the half-way line – but it bounced just wide. That was about all the visitors were able to conjure up. Rangers soon went about surrounding the Rovers box, but they struggled to break into the area cleanly in open play. Instead, they relied on whipping inviting crosses towards Fashion Sakala and Antonio Colak. They found no joy until Goldson joined the attack from a corner, and his emphatic back-post header eased any Ibrox nerves just before the break. James Tavernier almost caught out Jamie MacDonald in the first half with a cross to the front post. He went closer in the second, collecting a half-cleared corner and smashing a half-volley off a post. Rangers’ second goal was an even better finish. Unfortunately, it came from a Rovers player. A nothing cross came low into the box and Nolan somehow sliced his clearance high over MacDonald and in. The hosts pushed for a third, with Todd Cantwell trying from distance and MacDonald producing a smart stop to deny sub Arfield. The keeper couldn’t stop the third goal, though, with Arfield finishing from close range following a nice attacking move. Rudimentary in the end for Rangers. Player of the match – Borna Barisic (Rangers) Sometimes lamented but when allowed time and space, Barisic can deliver inviting crosses over and over Straightforward for Rangers, if lacking in spark – analysis Whether looking at the game statistically or just with the naked eye, it was clear that Rangers dominated and deserved to win. The only worry Beale and some fans would have is their lack of a clinical touch up top – a surprise given the clinic they put on against Hibs through the week. They don’t lack creativity, but there was little cutting edge to their game and Beale will be keen to change that. Colak was sloppy, and with Alfredo Morelos perhaps on his way out, a new striker might be top of the summer wish list. What they said Rangers manager Michael Beale: “Raith sat back and the styles clashed in the game. It wasn’t one that got the pulses raising. It was still 3-0, still comfortable, 24 shots, 18 corners. I’d have liked us to be a little more ruthless at times. “We were slightly quicker at the start of the second-half. It’s a different problem each game to solve. It feels a bit flat, the crowd were a little flat because there was expectation in the air. In a few weeks, everyone will just remember the score.” Raith Rovers manager Ian Murray: “I take tremendous pride in the players and the football. On and off the park we conducted ourselves in the right manner. “We knew it would be difficult. There’s so many positives today. Yes, we acknowledge the negatives – we’re out of the cup – but my overriding feeling is pride.” What’s next? Rangers travel to Motherwell in league action next Saturday (12:30 GMT), while Raith host Cove Rangers in the Championship (15:00) the same day. Line-ups 26 Davies 4 Lundstram Booked at 75mins 43 Raskin 13 Cantwell Booked at 90mins 14 Kent 9 Colak