Rangers secured a 2:1 victory over Falkirk in the fifth round of the Premiership on Wednesday evening. Lawrence Shankland scored twice for the visitors while an own goal by Kosta Nedeljkovic brought Falkirk back into the contest before Rangers pulled away. The result moves Rangers up to seventh place in the table with four points from three games.
Shankland opened the scoring in the eighth minute with a clinical finish. Falkirk responded well and Kosta Nedeljkovic turned the ball into his own net in the 44th minute to level matters. Rangers came from behind and Shankland restored their advantage in the 79th minute after a period of sustained pressure.
The middle period saw disciplinary issues mount. Ethan Ross picked up a yellow card in the 53rd minute after a mistimed challenge. Brad Spencer and Olwethu Makhanya followed with bookings in the 67th and 76th minutes respectively. Both sides made several substitutions in the final quarter, with Rangers bringing on Min-su Kim and Findlay Curtis in the 80th minute.
Rangers enjoyed 52 per cent possession but Falkirk created more danger in transition. The hosts registered five shots on target compared to Rangers' six, though Rangers created three big chances against Falkirk's two. Falkirk made 390 passes with a 77 per cent success rate while Rangers completed 338 passes at 79 per cent. The statistics show Rangers were more efficient in the final third despite fewer total attacks.
Falkirk remain rooted to 11th place with just one point from three matches. They have not won since their opening day fixture and sit two points adrift of safety. Rangers meanwhile have found their footing with a win away from home, moving into a comfortable position in the early stages of the season.
