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Queens Park 0 Rangers 1: Match report

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Queen's Park 0 Rangers 1: Aird leaves it late as Gers sneak past 10 men at Hampden

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UPDATED:

15:02 GMT, 29 December 2012

A last-gasp goal from substitute Fraser Aird ensured Rangers' winning streak continued as they claimed victory over 10-man Queen's Park.

The clash at the national stadium looked set to end goalless before the injury-time strike sealed a 10th win in a row for the Irn-Bru Third Division leaders.

The Old Firm clash with Celtic may be the most famous in Scottish football but the original Glasgow derby actually took place between Queen's Park and Rangers.

Beter late than never: Fraser Aird celebrates his injury-time winner for Rangers

Beter late than never: Fraser Aird celebrates his injury-time winner for Rangers

MATCH FACTS

Queen's Park: Parry, McGinn, Little, Brough, Robertson, Gallacher, Anderson, Keenan, Watt (Connolly 75), Quinn, Shankland (McParland 89).

Subs not used: Lochhead, Bradley, Longworth

Booked: Watt, Brough, Gallacher, Anderson, Shankland, Connolly

Sent off: Brough

Rangers:
Alexander, Hegarty, Perry, Emilson Cribari, Wallace, Crawford, Black
(Aird 64), Hutton (Sandaza 71), McKay, McCulloch, Templeton.

Subs not used: Currie, Cole, Faure

Goal: Aird 90+2

Booked: Black,

Referee: William Collum

Attendance: 30,117

And, according to the official match-day programme, it is also the oldest surviving senior derby in world football.

The meeting between both clubs at Ibrox earlier this season saw the resumption of a fixture first played 135 years ago.

Today's match – in front of a crowd of 30,117 – was the first Hampden clash between the sides since November 1957, when Rangers came out on top as 4-2 winners.

Ally McCoist was forced to make two changes from the side which defeated Clyde on Boxing Day.

Andy Little was sidelined through injury, while Lewis Macleod revealed on Twitter before kick-off that he was ill with a virus, meaning he was absent for the first time this season.

Queen's Park had given Rangers a tough match at Ibrox in October and they looked well up for this encounter, carving out a couple of chances early on.

A free-kick 20 yards out provided an opportunity to put the visitors under pressure but Michael Keenan was wasteful with an effort that was well off-target.

Familiar surroundings: Gers boss Ally McCoist has been a regular visitor to Hampden Park over the years

Familiar surroundings: Gers boss Ally McCoist has been a regular visitor to Hampden Park over the years

David Anderson came closer when he tried his luck with a shot from just outside the box which fizzed across goal and just wide of the upright.

The best chance so far fell to Rangers when a lovely cross from the left from Barrie McKay set up David Templeton for a shot that flashed inches over the crossbar.

Robbie Crawford was not too far away when he met a Black cross 10 yards out and bulleted a header just over, as the first half ended goalless.

Getting tight: Rangers ace David Templeton (right) and Michael Keenan battle for the ball

Getting tight: Rangers ace David Templeton (right) and Michael Keenan battle for the ball

Rangers continued to push for the opener after the restart and a lofted effort from Lee McCulloch landed on the roof of the net, with Neil Parry untroubled in goal.

The goalkeeper was then called into action to make an impressive save to deny McKay, who unleashed a powerful drive after a one-two with McCulloch.

Queen's Park were dealt a blow when they were reduced to 10 men when James Brough picked up a second caution for a foul on Templeton after 56 minutes.

Start the party: Aird (No 17) leads the way as the Rangers players celebrate his late goal against Queen's Park

Start the party: Aird (No 17) leads the way as the Rangers players celebrate his late goal against Queen's Park

Parry reacted quickly again to snuff out another Rangers threat, this time racing off his line to block from Lee Wallace, who had been teed up by Templeton.

Aird had replaced Black and Francisco Sandaza was thrown into the action for Kyle Hutton with 20 minutes to go, with Rangers struggling to break down a stubborn Spiders side.

The Spanish striker was clearly aiming to make an immediate impact but his finishing let him down as he rifled into the side-netting.

Hard to handle: Paul Gallacher has a nibble at Templeton and the Gers player ends up on the deck

Hard to handle: Paul Gallacher has a nibble at Templeton and the Gers player ends up on the deck

The home side could have snatched the points when Aidan Connolly released Lawrence Shankland in plenty of space but his shot lacked power and was easily smothered by Neil Alexander.

Shankland had the chance to make amends with a free-kick that escaped the grasp of the Rangers goalkeeper but swerved past the far post.

Sandaza again rippled the side-netting for Rangers, before Aird grabbed the winner in injury time with a shot from just outside the area that squeezed past several bodies in the box and nestled in the bottom corner.

Rangers 3 Clyde 0 – Match report

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Rangers 3 Clyde 0: Templeton inspires McCoist's men to ninth win in a row

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UPDATED:

18:33 GMT, 26 December 2012

David Templeton stole the show as Rangers secured a comfortable win over Clyde in the Irn-Bru Third Division.

The winger set up Lee Wallace for the opener, before grabbing a lovely goal of his own.

Substitute Dean Shiels then put the gloss on the Glasgow giants' ninth win in a row, as they moved 12 points clear at the top of the table.

Man of the moment: David Templeton (second right) is congratulated by his team mates after scoring the second goal for Rangers

Man of the moment: David Templeton (second right) is congratulated by his team mates after scoring the second goal for Rangers

Match facts

Rangers: Alexander, Hegarty, Perry, Emilson Cribari (Cole 78), Wallace, Little (Shiels 26), Hutton, Macleod, McKay, Templeton (Crawford 83), McCulloch.

Subs not used: Currie, Sandaza.

Goals: Wallace 21, Templeton 38, Shiels 76.

Clyde: Barclay, John Kane, Gray, Lanie, Brown, Fitzharris (Sweeney 71), Hay (Neill 81), Scullion, McColm, Gilfillan (McCluskey 88), Watt.

Subs not used: Rajovic, Oliver.

Booked: Hay, Scullion, Neill.

Attendance: 47,463

Referee: Crawford Allan

Rangers made one change from the side who defeated Elgin City at the weekend, with Ross Perry drafted into the starting line-up and Anestis Argyriou missing out with a knock.

Clyde tried their luck early on when Kevin Watt surged into the box from the left before unleashing a shot that fell well over the crossbar and did little to trouble Neil Alexander.

At the other end, Bully Wee goalkeeper Jamie Barclay was called into action to make a decent save from a thunderous Lee McCulloch strike.

Wallace then slotted into the path of Lewis Macleod, who cut across the face of goal for Andy Little but he connected awkwardly and the chance was lost.

Rangers continued to press for the opener and a McCulloch cut-back found Templeton but his powerful strike from distance was straight at Barclay and easily smothered.
However, the Clyde goalkeeper was unable to prevent the home side from opening the scoring with 21 minutes gone.

Wallace raced on to a Templeton pass before bearing down on goal and slotting between the legs of Barclay and into the back of the net.

Easy does it: Lee Wallace opens the scoring for Rangers

Easy does it: Lee Wallace opens the scoring for Rangers

Rangers manager Ally McCoist was forced to make a change seven minutes later when Little limped out of the action and was replaced by Shiels, who missed the last two games through injury.

Rangers went in search of a second goal and a sequence of neat passes ended with Kyle Hutton's 25-yard effort fizzing inches past the upright.

Hutton had to settle for being the provider instead as the Light Blues doubled their lead in style after 38 minutes.

In the goals: Dean Shiels makes it 3-0 during the second half

In the goals: Dean Shiels makes it 3-0 during the second half

Templeton collected from the midfielder and demonstrated excellent control to skip past his marker before curling past the grasp of Barclay with a superb finish.

McCulloch had the net bulging two minutes later after dinking over the keeper but he was denied a goal of his own by the offside flag.

Rangers continued to dominate after the restart and Barrie McKay set up Hutton for a shot that squeezed past several bodies in the box before Barclay gathered.

All smiles: Rangers manager Ally McCoist enjoys the win

All smiles: Rangers manager Ally McCoist enjoys the win

McKay then teed up a shot for Templeton but he failed to add to his tally with a strike that cannoned off the body of Gavin Brown and out for a corner.

Hopes of a Clyde comeback were shattered when Rangers claimed their third of the day after 76 minutes.

McKay delivered the pass to the feet of Shiels, who turned and dispatched a low drive into the far bottom corner to secure the points.

Rangers 2 Peterhead 0: match report

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Rangers 2 Peterhead 0: McCulloch's fine form continues as Gers win with ease

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UPDATED:

18:01 GMT, 10 November 2012

Skipper Lee McCulloch proved to be unstoppable in front of goal as he netted for the 17th time this season in a win over Peterhead.

The utility man was moved back to the heart of defence for the clash at Ibrox but still managed to add to his tally, with Lee Wallace also on the scoresheet.

This encounter proved to be more comfortable for the Light Blues than the 2-2 draw they scraped at Peterhead on the opening day of the league campaign.

Angled header: Ranger's Lee McCulloch scores his sides first goal of the game

Angled header: Ranger's Lee McCulloch scores his sides first goal of the game

Rangers made two changes from the side which thrashed Alloa 7-0 in the William Hill Scottish Cup last week as boss Ally McCoist was forced to shuffle his pack through injury.

Wallace recovered from a dead leg to take his place in the side, while youngster Robbie Crawford also started.

But defensive duo Emilson Cribari and Ross Perry were both missing from the squad, with Cribari carrying a knock and Perry presumably also injured.

As a result, McCulloch was asked to move to centre-half and shore up the defence in their absence.

Representatives from each of the armed forces and veterans led out the teams before a minute's silence was observed against the back-drop of a poppy card display in the stands.

That'll do: McCulloch (right) celebrates the first goal with Ian Black

That'll do: McCulloch (right) celebrates the first goal with Ian Black

Once the action was under way,
Peterhead had an early chance when Rory McAllister rattled the crossbar
in the opening minutes, albeit the offside flag was raised.

The home fans then screamed for handball against Scott Ross but there was no penalty award from referee Craig Charleston.

Rangers gradually began to impose themselves upon the game and Andy Little's volley from the edge of the box flashed just wide.

McCulloch then burst forward before having a go with a shot from distance that dipped over the crossbar.

Doubled up: Ranger's Lee Wallace celebrates the second goal with Black

Doubled up: Ranger's Lee Wallace celebrates the second goal with Black

Rangers cranked up the pressure and
goalkeeper Mark McCallum was called into action to tip past the post
from a swerving Ian Black free-kick.

At the other end, the visitors hit the
woodwork again, with Ryan Strachan smacking the crossbar straight from a
corner-kick on this occasion.

Rangers broke the deadlock two minutes before the interval when McCulloch added to his impressive tally for the season.

Barrie
McKay delivered an inviting corner into the box and the skipper rose
above everyone else to power a header into the back of the net.

No you don't: Ranger's Chris Hegarty is challenged Peterhead's Rory McAllister

No you don't: Ranger's Chris Hegarty is challenged Peterhead's Rory McAllister

McCulloch was hungry for more goals and saw a double shot blocked by the Peterhead defence shortly after the restart.

Little was then off-target with a left-foot strike that slid just past the upright as the home side pressed for a second goal.

The honours went to Wallace after 66 minutes when he collected from Black's free-kick and unleashed a low shot past McCallum to deliver a blow to the Blue Toon's hopes of a comeback.

Rangers were looking to put the gloss on what looked set to be a comfortable win and Dean Shiels rifled inches wide after combining well with McKay, before McCallum smothered a tame effort from substitute Kal Naismith.

Rangers 7 Alloa 0 match report: Dean Shiels, Lee McCulloch, Robbie Crawford and Barrie McKay score

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Rangers 7 Alloa 0: McCoist's men rebound from midweek mauling to sting Wasps

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UPDATED:

17:32 GMT, 3 November 2012

Rangers bounced back from their midweek Scottish Communities League Cup exit to Inverness in style with an emphatic 7-0 thrashing of Alloa in the William Hill Scottish Cup.

Dean Shiels, Lee McCulloch and Barrie McKay netted a double each and Robbie Crawford was also on the scoresheet against Paul Hartley's high-flying Irn-Bru Second Division side.

Anestis Argyriou and Fraser Aird were both drafted into the Rangers side for the third round tie, with Lee Wallace ruled out with a dead leg and Kyle Hutton dropped to the bench.

Let the drubbing begin: Dean Shiels fires Rangers a goal to the good at Ibrox

Let the drubbing begin: Dean Shiels fires Rangers a goal to the good at Ibrox

Match facts

Rangers: Alexander, Argyriou (Crawford 54), Perry, Emilson Cribari (Naismith 72), Hegarty, Little, Black, Macleod, Aird (McKay 61), Shiels, McCulloch. Subs not used: Scott Gallagher, Hutton.

Goals: Shiels 2, 21, McCulloch 33, 72, Crawford 73, McKay 82, 89.

Alloa: Bain, Doyle, Gordon, Marr, Meggatt, Simmons (Grehan 55), Ryan McCord, Young, Holmes, Low (Docherty 74), Cawley (Thomson 79). Subs not used: McDowall, Ross McCord.

Sent Off: Doyle (78).

Booked: Gordon.

Att: 25,478.

Ref: Iain Brines.

Shiels, Andy Little and Lewis Macleod were all passed fit to start despite nursing knocks from the clash with Inverness.

Alloa were boosted by the return of skipper Darren Young following a sickness bug but on-loan Aberdeen forward Mitch Megginson was unavailable for the trip to Ibrox.

Rangers knew they needed a positive reaction following the midweek defeat and they enjoyed the best possible start to the game.

An Aird corner broke for Shiels, whose deflected shot found its way through a sea of bodies and into the bottom corner after just two minutes.

Chris Hegarty then surged forward from the left-back position before rifling just over the crossbar from distance.
It was Shiels who doubled the advantage when he grabbed his second of the day after 21 minutes.

McCulloch was the provider with a lovely pass for the Northern Irishman and the offside flag stayed down as Shiels slotted past goalkeeper Scott Bain.

No mistake: Lee McCulloch slots home the fourth

No mistake: Lee McCulloch slots home the fourth

Skipper McCulloch then helped himself to a goal when he unleashed a powerful strike from just inside the box after 33 minutes.

The Gers utility man could have netted again just before the break with a ferocious effort that fizzed just over.

Alloa had failed to trouble the Gers defence in the first half but carved out a couple of decent efforts in quick succession after the break.

A well-struck free-kick from just outside the area from Nicky Low was comfortably gathered by Neil Alexander.

Kevin Cawley then saw his hooked effort curl just past the far post after evading the goalkeeper as the Wasps desperately tried to salvage the tie.

Celebration time: Two-goal Shiels helped Rangers to a convincing win

Celebration time: Two-goal Shiels helped Rangers to a convincing win

There was concern for Rangers 10 minutes into the second half when Argyriou was stretchered off after crumpling to the turf with what appeared to be an ankle problem.

The Greek defender was replaced by youngster Crawford, before Aird made way for the introduction of McKay.

McKay was immediately involved in the action when he teed up the shot for Shiels, who was denied his hat-trick by the post.

The teenager then pounced on the rebound and was denied the sight of the net bulging by the quick reaction of Michael Doyle who cleared off the line.

However, any respite for Alloa was brief as Rangers found the back of the net twice in quick succession.

It's so easy: Barrie McKay hit a late brace to increase Alloa's woe

It's so easy: Barrie McKay hit a late brace to increase Alloa's woe

Shiels squared into the path of McCulloch and all that was required was a simple tap in from the captain after 72 minutes, before Crawford supplied a low finish from a Shiels cut-back a minute later.

There was worse to come for Alloa when Doyle was shown a red card for a challenge on Hegarty after 79 minutes.
McKay then added his name to the scoresheet three minutes later with a superb shot from outside the box, before completing the rout with a well struck drive with a minute to go.

Rangers 2 Queen"s Park 0 match report: Lee McCulloch nets the points

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Rangers 2 Queen's Park 0: Ally's home comforts as McCulloch nets the points

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UPDATED:

16:54 GMT, 20 October 2012

Lee McCulloch's second-half double ensured Rangers edged home against Queen's Park after their Irn-Bru Third Division struggles threatened to spread to Ibrox.

McCulloch finished off impressive build-up play from Dean Shiels in the 57th minute of a closer Glasgow derby than the vast majority of the 49,463 crowd would have anticipated and gave the score a somewhat flattering touch in injury-time.

The amateurs from several miles away in the south side of the city came into the game as league leaders and matched their hosts in possession for long spells.

They came very close to equalising soon after McCulloch's opener when Andrew Robertson squandered a great chance and put Rangers under pressure in the final quarter.

Vital strike: Lee McCulloch wheels away after breaking the deadlock

Vital strike: Lee McCulloch wheels away after breaking the deadlock

MATCH FACTS

Rangers: Alexander, Faure, Perry, Emilson Cribari, Wallace, Hutton, Black, Macleod, Shiels (McKay 83), McCulloch, Aird (Little 54). Subs not used: Gallacher, Argyriou, Kyle.

Booked: McCulloch, Faure, Little.

Goals: McCulloch 57, 90.

Queen's Park: Parry, Gallagher, Little, Brough, Bradley, Capuano (Smith 85), Anderson, Robertson (Watt 73), Shankland, Longworth, Keenan (Quinn 79). Subs not used: Lockhead, Sean Burns.

Booked: Anderson.

Att: 49,463.

Ref: John Beaton.

But McCulloch ensured Rangers maintained their 100 per cent home record after their wait for an away win continued two weeks ago with defeat by bottom club Stirling.

That shock defeat prompted one change from Ally McCoist with Kyle Hutton replacing Anestis Argyriou in midfield.
Rangers went into the game in fourth place but Queen's Park struggled to get out of their own half in the opening stages and goalkeeper Neil Parry made comfortable saves from Shiels and McCulloch.

However, Queen's soon grew into the game and created a decent chance for centre-forward Jamie Longworth, who fired over from 16 yards.

The Spiders were passing the ball with confidence and they had the home support worried after Richard Little's diagonal ball found Robertson on the left wing, when his low cross just evaded Longworth.

The home support were getting restless as their team struggled to string passes together and Rangers goalkeeper Neil Alexander caught James Brough's header following David Anderson's free-kick.

Rangers were lacking leadership and someone to take a grip of the game in midfield but they rallied in the latter stages of the half.

A handful: McCulloch battles with Neil Parry and James Brough

A handful: McCulloch battles with Neil Parry and James Brough

Fraser Aird's inswinging corner bounced across the six yard box and Sebastien Faure's diving header hit the side netting.

They came closer when McCulloch laid off Aird's cross into the path of Shiels, who fired a left-footed drive towards the far corner, but Parry got down brilliantly to get a hand to keep it out.

Hutton and Ian Black were involved in a brief argument as the teams walked off at half-time and it was hard to imagine those being the last raised voices of the interval among the home team.

Queen's had the first chance of the second half when Longworth headed over Lawrence Shankland's corner.

McCulloch shot wide from 16 yards while Rangers survived a scare following Faure's short passback when Alexander caught Shankland's cross while well out of his goal.

Andy Little returned from a six-week lay-off with a foot injury in the 55th minute and soon had a sight of goal, but Brough threw himself in the way of his shot.

In control: Ally McCoist observes matters at Ibrox

In control: Ally McCoist observes matters at Ibrox

Rangers did not have to wait long for the opener though as Shiels got the ball on the left and cut in along the bye-line before squaring the ball for McCulloch to tap home into the unguarded net.

The hosts looked more comfortable on the ball in the immediate aftermath of the goal but quickly put themselves under pressure with some slack play inside their own half.

And Robertson missed a wonderful chance in the 62nd minute after carving the home defence open. The winger spun away from Black with a superb piece of skill and played successive one-twos, the second of which with Longworth put him clean through on goal.

The winger had all the time he needed with the ball on his left foot but delayed his shot, which allowed Alexander to narrow the angle sufficiently to block his shot from eight yards.

Lewis MacLeod twice shot just wide from long range and McCulloch fluffed a chance to go round Parry but the goal had not opened the floodgates and the visitors had Rangers pushed back for much of the final quarter.

However, they were unable to make the most of several set-pieces and McCulloch had another easy finish in injury-time with Parry grounded after substitute Barrie McKay's 30-yard effort bounced back off the bar.

Rangers 4 Montrose 1: New boys strike

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Rangers 4 Montrose 1: New boys Macleod and Crawford strike as Gers close in on lead

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UPDATED:

16:32 GMT, 23 September 2012

Lewis Macleod and Robbie Crawford both claimed their first goals for the club as Rangers moved to within a point of the Irn-Bru Third Division summit with a win over Montrose.

It could have been a difficult day for the Light Blues when an own goal from Anestis Argyriou cancelled out Dean Shiels' opener.

But Macleod restored the advantage before Lee McCulloch grabbed his 10th goal of the season and young Crawford came off the bench to add his own name to the score-sheet late on.

Cheers: Lewis MacLeod (right) celebrates his goal

Cheers: Lewis MacLeod (right) celebrates his goal

Match facts

Rangers: Alexander, Faure, Perry, Emilson Cribari, Wallace, Argyriou, Macleod, Black (Sandaza 64), McKay (Aird 55), Shiels (Crawford 79), McCulloch.

Subs Not Used: Gallacher, Stella.

Goals: Shiels 27, Macleod 55, McCulloch 60, Crawford 82.

Montrose: David Crawford, McNalley, Lunan, Campbell, Ricky McIntosh (McGuire 69), Gray (Winter 78),Jonathan Crawford, Masson, Young, Leighton McIntosh (Johnston 69), Gary Wood.

Subs Not Used: Sandy Wood, McLeish.

Booked: Masson, Lunan, Jonathan Crawford.

Goals: Argyriou 35 og.

Att: 45,081

Ref: Stephen Finnie (Scotland).

Rangers made one change for the clash at Ibrox after crashing out of the Ramsdens Cup to Queen of the South in midweek, with Sebastien Faure drafted into the side and Francisco Sandaza dropped to the bench.

With Ally McCoist preparing to turn 50 tomorrow, he was clearly hoping for an early birthday present of three points against Montrose following a couple of poor results.

But any suggestions that fans may be losing patience with the manager were dispelled when a section of the support unfurled a massive banner before kick-off proclaiming: 'We will follow in the footsteps of his team. Ally McCoist MBE.'

Once the action was under way, Montrose made clear their intentions to add to Rangers' recent woes, following the cup exit and last weekend's draw at Annan.

The match was just two minutes old when Leighton McIntosh saw his early effort deflected just over by Faure.

The resulting corner then caused problems for the Gers defence as Argyriou rattled the post in his attempts to clear the danger.

Neil Alexander was called into action to smother from Gary Wood and Terry Masson's tame strike was also dealt with by the goalkeeper as the visitors piled forward.

Once again, Rangers had endured a slow start to a game but could have been ahead following a decent move which began with Ian Black releasing Barrie McKay down the left flank.

The teenager then supplied the cut-back for Shiels but his half-volley was high and wide and failed to trouble goalkeeper David Crawford.

Setback: Montrose's Gary Wood scores

Setback: Montrose's Gary Wood scores

The Northern Irishman made amends for the miss with 27 minutes on the clock when he raced on to McCulloch's flick on and lashed past the grasp of Crawford from 10 yards.

The Gable Endies were back on level terms just six minutes later when Ryan McIntosh tried to pick out Wood with a free-kick only for Argyriou to connect and inadvertently send the ball past Alexander and into the back of his own net.

McKay could have netted early in the second half when he met a neat pass from McCulloch, only to drag his shot across the face of goal and wide of the post.

Rangers restored their lead 10 minutes after the restart when Macleod ran on to a Faure ball and turned his marker before lashing low into the far bottom corner.

Three: Lee McCullock strikes Rangers' third goal

Three: Lee McCullock strikes Rangers' third goal

The home side made their first change seconds later when McKay was withdrawn for Fraser Aird, allowing his fellow youngster to make his first senior appearance.

Macleod then turned provider for Rangers' third of the day when he teed up the shot for McCulloch to power home from just inside the area.

Sandaza was thrown into the action after 64 minutes and was immediately tripped on the edge of the box, before a full-stretch Crawford just managed to tip over Lee Wallace's curling free-kick.

Aird was impressive and added an injection of energy to the game, as Montrose began to tire and Rangers looked in control of the match.

Robbie Crawford put the gloss on the win just two minutes after replacing Shiels when he supplied a confident side-foot finish after meeting a pass from Wallace with eight minutes to go.

Annan 0 Rangers 0: Templeton injury caps miserable day for Ally

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Annan 0 Rangers 0: Templeton injury caps miserable day for Ally

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UPDATED:

17:09 GMT, 15 September 2012

Rangers continue to wait for their first away win in the Irn-Bru Third Division after being held by Annan in front of a record crowd at Galabank.

Ally McCoist's team dropped points for a third successive away game and suffered another blow when David Templeton was carried off with an ankle injury.

Concern: Rangers' David Templeton receives treatment

Concern: Rangers' David Templeton receives treatment before being stretchered off

Match facts

Annan Athletic: Alex Mitchell, Blake, Peter Watson, Swinglehurst, McGowan, Steele (McKechnie 87), Jardine, Chaplain, Ramage (Sloan 78), Murray, Daly (McGachie 68). Subs not used: Summersgill, Thorburn.

Booked: Daly,Chaplain.

Rangers: Alexander, Faure, Perry, Emilson Cribari, Wallace, Templeton (Sandaza 10), Black, McKay, Macleod, Shiels (Crawford 78), McCulloch. Subs not used: Gallacher, Hegarty, Kyle.

Booked: Faure,Wallace.

Referee: Craig Charleston.

Attendance: 2,517.

Rangers again struggled to impose themselves on part-time opponents and home midfielder Jack Steele missed a great chance early in the second half.

Rangers only exerted superiority in the final quarter and even then lacked penetration and Alex Mitchell secured the point for the hosts with a stunning last-minute save from Lee McCulloch.

Annan were well-marshalled by imposing centre-backs Steven Swinglehurst and Peter Watson on their artificial pitch and their hard-working and skilful midfield matched Rangers for much of the game.

Galabank housed a record attendance of 2,517, enabled by the summer installation of terracing behind a second goal.

Chairman Henry McClelland rubbished
the predictions of Scottish football's impending doom that accompanied
votes on the destiny of the newco Rangers by writing 'we are all loving
Armageddon' in his programme notes.

He also reflected that the Rangers fans he had spoken to in the
build-up to the game were falling in love with football again but they
might need some away victories to retain such affection following
previous draws at Peterhead and Berwick.

Templeton is carried off

Templeton is carried off

Their latest journey into the unknown took them to a town with a population of 8,300.

Annan were the newest entrants to the Scottish Football League before Rangers, winning admission in 2008 after neighbours Gretna went into liquidation.

The club, who previously played in the East of Scotland League, accommodated French and German television crews with much of the press seated on chairs from the social club just next to the corner flag as they squeezed as many fans as possible into their one stand.

Rangers, who were without Andrew Little and Anestis Argyriou through injury, suffered another blow after five minutes when Templeton crumpled holding his left ankle without anyone near him as he ran with the ball down the wing.

Frustration: Rangers' Francisco Sandaza misses a great chance

Frustration: Rangers' Francisco Sandaza misses a great chance

Francisco Sandaza eventually came on as Templeton was carried away on a stretcher. There was little meaningful goalmouth action in an even opening 20 minutes and Annan had the first real chance when Michael McGowan's cross found its way to Michael Daly in space inside the box but the centre-forward could not get the ball down quickly enough and the visiting defence managed to scramble the ball to safety.

Daly and McCulloch headed over after corners at either end and Annan survived a counter-attack when Steele produced a last-ditch sliding tackle to stop Barrie McKay converting fellow teenager Lewis McLeod's ball over the top.

Mitchell made his first save in the 29th minute when he got down to save from Sandaza after Dean Shiels had found the Spaniard's run.

McCulloch volleyed wide from Sandaza's cross but Annan were still getting men forward and a corner from Graeme Ramage flashed across the Rangers goalmouth.

Rangers were almost exposed in the final minute of the half when Steele fired a bouncing ball just wide and McCoist looked an angry man as he marched towards the tunnel despite Shiels seeing a shot beaten away by Mitchell in injury-time.

New surrounding: Fans in the stands at Annan

New surrounding: Fans in the stands at Annan

Rangers and Annan Athletic

Alexander made the first save of the second half, from Daly's header, and the hosts had a great chance in the 55th minute.

Ramage was brought down as he went to collect Scott Chaplain's pass but Steele ran on to the loose ball to leave him through on goal but the midfielder dragged the ball wide from 15 yards.

Alexander exchanged words with fans behind his goal, apparently frustrated by criticism, and the away support's upset was audible when Sebastien Faure hit two crosses into their ranks in quick succession.

Rangers did begin to create chances after the hour mark. McCulloch had a scuffed effort cleared in the goalmouth and Shiels chipped the ball harmlessly into Mitchell's arms after a good pass from McKay.

Mitchell blocked Sandaza's shot with his feet after the Spaniard cut in from the left. Rangers found an urgency, or perhaps desperation, to their play and pushed their opponents back for much of the final quarter.

Both Sandaza and Lee Wallace were both off target from long range but they struggled to carve out a clear chance until the ball fell for McCulloch 15 yards out following a long free-kick.

The striker caught it on the half volley and the ball seemed destined for the top corner but Mitchell somehow threw himself across goal to touch it over the bar.

Falkirk 0 Rangers 1

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Falkirk 0 Rangers 1: In-form Little grabs only goal to send McCoist's men through

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UPDATED:

21:07 GMT, 21 August 2012

Andy Little claimed his sixth goal of the season as Rangers progressed past holders Falkirk into the third round of the Ramsdens Cup.

The striker's impressive streak in front of goal continued as he grabbed the only goal of the game after netting his first hat-trick at the weekend.

The win allowed Rangers to take their revenge on the Bairns, who dumped Ally McCoist's men out of the Scottish Communities League Cup last season – with the two sides set to meet again in that competition at Ibrox next week.

Winner: Andrew Little (left) fires the ball home to open the scoring

Winner: Andrew Little (left) fires the ball home to open the scoring

MATCH FACTS

Falkirk: McGovern, Duffie, Flynn, Smith, Kingsley, Alston, Murdoch,
Jay Fulton, Weatherston (Haworth 75), Sibbald (White 83), Taylor.

Subs Not Used: Bowman, Dick, Dale Fulton.

Booked: Sibbald,Haworth.

Rangers: Alexander, Broadfoot, Emilson Cribari, Bocanegra,
Hegarty (Crawford 84), McKay (Naismith 70), McCulloch, Black,
Macleod, Little, Sandaza (Kyle 70).

Subs Not Used: Gallacher, Wiktorski.

Goals: Little 45.

Att: 6,747

Ref: Calum Murray (Scotland).

Rangers made three changes from the team which fought from behind to secure an emphatic 5-1 win over East Stirling in the Irn-Bru Third Division at the weekend.

Lee Wallace and Dean Shiels both missed out with dead legs, while Dorin Goian was also absent from the team after agreeing a one-year loan deal with Serie B outfit Spezia Calcio.

Brazilian Emilson Cribari and youngster Chris Hegarty both earned their first starts and Barrie McKay was also drafted into the starting line-up.

Rangers confirmed the signing of French defender Sebastien Faure earlier on Tuesday, subject to international clearance, meaning he was unavailable for the cup tie.

Little almost opened the scoring early on when he raced onto a Kirk Broadfoot ball only to see his close-range shot blocked by goalkeeper Michael McGovern.

The away fans then claimed for handball against Chris Smith, as Little again tried to force his way through on goal, but there was no penalty award from referee Calum Murray.

Falkirk had a decent chance of their own when David Weatherston squared across the face of goal for the onrushing Lyle Taylor but he just failed to connect at full stretch in front of goal.

Hero: Little wheels away to celebrate after opening the scoring for Rangers

Hero: Little wheels away to celebrate after opening the scoring for Rangers

There was another penalty shout – this time for the home side – when Taylor went to ground in the box under pressure from Hegarty but, again, Murray was unimpressed by the pleas.

At the other end, Rangers were threatening when Ian Black curled a free-kick into the box and Francisco Sandaza rose above everyone else in the packed goalmouth only to nod wide.

The breakthrough came on the stroke of half-time when Little collected from Sandaza before driving low past McGovern from a tight angle and into the bottom corner.

Battle: Francisco Sandaza (left) challenges for the ball with Chris Smith

Battle: Francisco Sandaza (left) challenges for the ball with Chris Smith

Falkirk set about trying to haul themselves back into the tie after the break and Stephen Kingsley picked out Kieran Duffie at the back post but he fired straight into the hands of Neil Alexander.

There was a brief stop in play when assistant referee John Gilmour appeared to suffer a knock but he was able to continue and the match action resumed.

The first booking of the match came with just over 20 minutes to go when Craig Sibbald was cautioned for a challenge on Black.

Watching brief: Rangers boss Ally McCoist led his side to another win

Watching brief: Rangers boss Ally McCoist led his side to another win

Rangers then made a double switch when Kevin Kyle and Kal Naismith were thrown into the action for McKay and Sandaza.

The visitors tried to end any hopes of a late Falkirk fightback and a shot from Lewis McLeod was hooked off the line by Blair Alston, after another penalty claim by Broadfoot.

Rangers held on to claim a narrow victory and ensure their name will be in the draw for the next round.

Peterhead 2 Rangers 2

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Peterhead 2 Rangers 2: Little saves giants' blushes at death in Division Three opener

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UPDATED:

14:09 GMT, 11 August 2012

Rangers endured a difficult start to life in the Irn-Bru Third Division as they were forced to scrap for a last gasp draw against Peterhead in an historic match for the Ibrox club.

Youngster Barrie McKay opened his Rangers account with what should have been a goal to savour, before second half goals from Rory McAllister and Scott McLaughlin saw the home side surge into the lead.

Perfect start: Barrie MacKay opens the scoring but Rangers could only manage a 2-2 draw at Peterhead

Perfect start: Barrie MacKay opens the scoring but Rangers could manage only a 2-2 draw at Peterhead

But Andy Little grabbed a late equaliser and a share of the points for Ally McCoist's men.

The match at Balmoor was the first
ever league fixture played by the Glasgow giants outside the top flight
of Scottish football.

The Ibrox side were forced into the
bottom tier after the club was consigned to liquidation in the summer
and lost their place in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League following a
vote of the 12 clubs.

Following such a turbulent period in
their 140-year history, the meeting with the Blue Toon was seen as the
first step on the road to recovery.

Rangers named an unchanged side from the one who defeated East Fife in the Scottish Communities League Cup.

New recruits Ian Black and Dean
Shiels retained their places in the starting line-up following the
midweek 4-0 win at Ibrox and Francisco Sandaza and Kyle were again named
on the bench.

But Emilson Cribari – who was still
awaiting international clearance yesterday and who had made the long
trip north – was not in the squad.

Rangers found their hosts difficult
to break down early on and it was the home side who carved out the first
real chance of the game when McKay was called into action to clear a
McAllister header.

At the other end, Shiels had a go
with a shot from the edge of the area but his effort was comfortably
smothered by goalkeeper Paul Jarvie.

Rangers were threatening again and,
this time, Little's shot cannoned off the body of Steven Noble and out
for a corner that the visitors failed to capitalise on.

The Ibrox side were able to breathe a
sigh of relief when they opened the scoring after 26 minutes and the
honours went to McKay.

A long ball from Lewis McLeod was
knocked on by Lee McCulloch for the 17-year-old, who kept his cool to
drive a low shot into the back of the net.

McAllister then had a great chance
to draw level for Peterhead with a shot from six yards that he dragged
across the face of goal and wide of the upright.

McKay could have added to his own
tally before the break but the teenager was also off target and Rangers
had to settle for a slim advantage at half-time.

Rangers goalkeeper Neil Alexander was
promoted to No 1 following the departure of Allan McGregor. And he
produced an impressive one-handed save after the restart to prevent a
lovely swerving effort from McAllister from finding the top corner.

But the forward had been a menace
throughout the match and was finally rewarded with a goal after 64
minutes when he did well to hold off Carlos Bocanegra before lashing
into the bottom corner.

Rangers threw Sandaza into the action
for McKay but it was Bocanegra who could have restored the lead when he
met Black's free-kick only to nod wide from close range.

Former St Johnstone striker Sandaza
then tried to chip Jarvie but lofted into the goalkeeper's arms instead,
before Shiels was denied by a save at the near post.

But Rangers were left reeling when
Peterhead had the net bulging again with nine minutes to go when Ryan
Strachan's corner was cleared into the path of McLaughlin and he rifled
past a stunned Alexander.

The Light Blues were back on level
terms with a minute to go when substitute Kyle rose above everyone else
in the box to meet a Shiels corner and although his header came back off
the bar Little was on hand to score.

Rangers sign Kevin Kyle and Francisco Sandazza

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Rangers looking to bolster front line as McCoist lands strikers Sandazza and Kyle

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UPDATED:

14:42 GMT, 7 August 2012

Fantasy football 2012

Rangers announced their second and third signings of the summer on Tuesday, as strikers Francisco Sandazza and Kevin Kyle join newco.

Sandazza, who left St Johnstone for the Third Division club, turned down a new deal with the Perth side and has linked up with Gers boss Ally McCoist and could feature in Tuesday’s Scottish Communities League Cup match at home to East Fife.

Defender Emilson Cribari, who was on trial at Ibrox, has also signed a two-year deal with the club.

New boy: Francisco Sandazza holds up his Rangers shirt on Tuesday

New boy: Francisco Sandazza holds up his Rangers shirt on Tuesday

Sandazza, 27, came close to signing a pre-contract agreement with Rangers back in January before the deal fell through.

Since then Rangers have had a turbulent six months, ending in the newco club’s SPL application being rejected and a move to the bottom tier ensuing.

Despite the problems at the club Sandaza revealed he always wanted to play for Rangers ever since he first moved to Scotland back in 2008.

He told the club’s official website: 'I’m delighted to finally come here and to play for this great club. I wanted to come in January but that didn’t happen.

'I’m happy that it’s done now and I can’t wait to start playing for this team. When I arrived four years ago I didn’t speak any English but I knew I wanted to play for a big club like this, at Ibrox in front of a full stadium.'

Kevin Kyle will hope to boost Rangers' promotion bid with some extra goals

Kevin Kyle will hope to boost Rangers' promotion bid with some extra goals

St Johnstone manager Steve Lomas was hopeful of convincing Sandaza to return to Perth but the Spaniard wanted to be part of McCoist’s rebuilding job at Rangers, rejecting offers from a number of clubs on the continent.

'I had some offers from the second division in Spain and from Cyprus and Greece but Ally called me a week ago and said to me about the project here,' he said.

'It’s a long project and we start from zero but I’ll go for it and I think we will come back soon and I will do my best to be a part of that.'

Sandaza, who had a season at Brighton two years ago, said he is fit and available for selection for tonight’s cup tie with East Fife, even if he will not manage the whole game.

'It has been very quick,' he said. 'I arrived in Edinburgh last night and Ally called me and asked if I was able to play tonight.

'I told him I am okay, I have been training on my own so I am not 100 per cent but I think I can play and I don’t know how long the manager will use me for.'

Thirty- two-year-old defender Emilson impressed whilst training with the club and the former Udinese and Napoli player revealed Rangers are a well-known club in his native Brazil.

'The club is famous in my country because it has such a strong history so it was an easy decision for me to make when I had the chance to sign,' he said.

Unlike Sandaza, Emilson will not be available for selection this evening but should be match-fit within two weeks.

'I have been training in Brazil on my own and with a personal coach so I am fit and ready to play,' he said.

Recruitment drive: Ally McCoist (left) has signed three players so far this summer

Recruitment drive: Ally McCoist (left) has signed three players so far this summer

'I need seven to ten days of training with the team to make sure I am at full strength but I am ready to play and I am delighted to be here.'

Striker Kyle has become the third player to sign for Rangers today following earlier deals for Francisco Sandaza and Emilson Cribari.

The 31-year-old Kyle has signed a one-year contract with the Irn-Bru Third Division side as McCoist continues his rebuilding job.

The Scotland international was unattached following a string of injuries over the past couple of seasons.

Kyle, who last played for Hearts before a hip problem led to him being released in March, has labelled his move to Rangers as a 'massive opportunity'.

Kyle told rangers.co.uk: 'There is only one attraction, and I'm sure that's the same for all the signings: this is Rangers, it doesn't get any bigger than this.

'It's a massive opportunity and there aren't many people who get a chance like this in Scotland. When it came to me I had to pinch myself. When I got in here for a week I told myself I was going to work so hard and prove that I can do a job here.'

Capped 10 times by his country, Kyle had spells with several English clubs, most notably Sunderland and Coventry, before moving to Scotland when he joined Kilmarnock in 2009.

Kyle trained with St Johnstone and Dunfermline over the summer before a trial at Rangers led to his 12-month deal.