A controversial second-half goal gave Rangers respite from the burgeoning pressures that surround the club as they progressed to the last eight of the Premier Sports Cup at the expense of St Johnstone. Ross McCausland made sure of the win with a 92nd minute effort that doubled Rangers’ advantage but the big talking point was the opener and the circumstances in which it came about.
Cyriel Dessers came off the bench to give Rangers the lead just before the hour mark after a largely frustrating opening period. The striker collected from Rabbi Matondo’s before advancing into the St Johnstone box and blasting past Josh Rae. However, Saints were riled by the fact that referee Matthew MacDermid had blown for a foul on Jack Sanders in the build-up with the St Johnstone defence playing to the whistle.
A lengthy VAR check ensued before MacDermid allowed the goal to stand, much to the inevitable fury of St Johnstone. Graham Carey was booked for dissent amidst the fall-out as Craig Levein’s side appeared to gesticulate that the whistle had sounded before the ball had hit the back of the net.
It followed an opening period where Rangers dominated but could not find a way to goal.
Danilo in particular enjoyed numerous chances in front of goal as the Ibrox side laboured to find a way past Saints.
The striker, back in the starting line-up for the first time since December, showed his rustiness as he passed up a succession of chances blasting over the bar from close range before being denied by Saints keeper Josh Rae.
St Johnstone almost made them pay for the their profligacy as Adama Sidibeh volleyed an effort onto the post juts before the break.
Rangers’ injury headaches continued as Robin Propper was forced off just before the interval with what appeared to be a groin strain with the player heading immediately down the tunnel for treatment.
Vaclav Cerny curled an effort wide of the post after the break as Rangers looked to find the breakthrough. The manner in which it came will be debated across the communing days.
Sidibeh glanced an effort wide at the ball post as Saints pushed for a late rally but McCausland sealed the deal for Rangers with the Ibrox side’s second as the game was in added time.
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