Rangers secured a 2-1 victory over Falkirk in the Scottish Premiership, with Lawrence Shankland scoring twice to end the Bairns’ winless run.
Rangers’ 2-1 win over Falkirk on Wednesday night marked a pivotal moment in their Scottish Premiership campaign, with Lawrence Shankland emerging as the hero. The Scotland international netted both goals, sealing the three points in a match that saw Falkirk squander key chances and Rangers navigate a defensive blunder. The victory lifted Rangers to fifth place in the league table, while Falkirk remained winless after four matches.
Shankland’s Double Secures Victory
Shankland’s first goal came in the seventh minute after he capitalized on a pass from Djeidi Gassama, firing a left-footed strike into the top corner. His second goal, in the 79th minute, came after a clinical finish following a pass from Ross McCrorie, sealing the win despite Falkirk’s late pressure.
“Goals never move and he makes it look so easy and he’ll continue to do that time and time and time again and that is why you bring him to the club because he is just a classy finisher.”
Scott Arfield, former Rangers midfielder
Falkirk’s equalizer came just before halftime when Kosta Nedeljkovic inadvertently turned an Ethan Ross cross into his own net. Despite this, Rangers maintained control for much of the game, with Shankland’s clinical finishing proving decisive.
McInnes Praises Captain’s Performance
Rangers manager Derek McInnes, serving a two-match touchline ban, lauded Shankland’s proper captain's performance
in a post-match interview. McInnes highlighted the striker’s composure under pressure, noting that the experience of Lawrence, the calmness of Lawrence, the quality comes up with a big moment.
“I’m very pleased for Lawrence Shankland. I thought his second goal was particularly good, considering he missed the chance that he would be kicking himself with. But, like all good strikers, the experience of Lawrence, the calmness of Lawrence, the quality comes up with a big moment.”
Derek McInnes, Rangers manager
McInnes also addressed the challenges of managing the team during a transfer window, citing the uncertainty around Nicolas Raskin’s future. The Belgian midfielder, subject to a failed loan bid from Turkish side Besiktas, remained at Rangers, with McInnes expressing confidence in his ability to contribute. He’s been training with us every day, and I do think at times the team needs a bit more experience,
the manager said.
Falkirk’s Missed Chances
The Bairns had several chances to take the lead, including a missed volley from Jacob Murrell in the second half. Despite controlling play for periods, Falkirk’s lack of clinical finishing left them without a league win.
“I think we’ve got two great opportunities in the second half that we could have put ourselves 2 or 3-1 up. If you give Lawrence any kind of space in the box, he’s going to punish you.”
John McGlynn, Falkirk manager
The match also saw Rangers’ goalkeeper Ivor Pandur make several key saves, including a stop from Jacob Murrell’s close-range shot. Falkirk’s artificial pitch contributed to a frenetic first half, but the visitors’ tactical discipline and Shankland’s finishing ultimately proved decisive.
Transfer Window Tensions
The game coincided with the Scottish transfer window, which closed on Thursday. Rangers faced uncertainty over several players, including midfielder Thelo Aasgaard, who left for a loan move to Anderlecht.
As Rangers prepare for their next fixture against Aberdeen, the focus will shift to maintaining momentum. For Falkirk, the defeat highlights the need for improved efficiency in front of goal, a challenge they must address to avoid further struggles in the league.
