Rangers reclaimed their position at the top of the Premiership table with a commanding 3-1 victory over Hibernian. Goals from Tavernier, Dessers, and Matondo secured the win for the Glasgow side.
Rangers controlled the early stages of the game with a bombardment of chances. Scott Wright’s strike from close distance being cleared off the line being the highlight of the opening exchanges.
The hosts were awarded a penalty after 19 minutes after Nector Triantis caught John Souttar with his arm. James Tavernier, making his 450th appearance for Rangers, stepped up but saw his effort well saved by David Marshall. The veteran keeper could only parry the ball away straight to the path of Scott Wright who picked out the bottom right corner. The goal however was ruled out by VAR for encroachment after deeming the goalscorer had entered area before the penalty was taken.
The home fans didn’t have to wait long to celebrate again. Just 5 minutes later James Tavernier got the opener with a stunning volley into the back of the net.
Hibernian’s chances were few and far between in the first half but Myziane Maolinda took full advantage when one came his way on the stroke of half time. Great work by Ellie Youan to pick out Maolinda who breezed by one Rangers defender before cooly slotting the ball past Jack Butland.
The visitors were unable to keep the scores level into the break with Rangers retaking the lead in the 6th minute of injury time. Todd Cantwell delivering an inch perfect ball to pick out Cyriel Dessers in the box who smashed the ball into the roof of the net.
Nick Mongomery’s side started the stronger of the two in the second half. A flurry of errors by Rangers allowed Hibs a number a chances but the Edinburgh side couldn’t find enough quality in the final third to equalise.
Cyriel Dessers had a glorious opportunity to pick up his second of the afternoon in the 59th minute. Tavernier down the right manages to pick out the Nigerian on the 6 yard line but he couldn’t hit the target.
Rangers managed to find their third however in the 84th minute through Rabbi Matondo. From 25 yards out the welshman switched the ball onto his right foot before unleashing a stike into the bottom right hand corner.
It’s 3 points that moves Rangers back to the top of the Premiership table ahead of next sundays Old Firm derby.
For Hibs and Nick Montgomery they sit in the 7th place in the league as the target of top 6 looks even less likely.
