Tuesday 1st December 2015
DESPITE a battling first half performance, Dumbarton went down 4-0 to Rangers in a lively game at Ibrox this evening.
The Ibrox men had most of the play in the first half, but Sons defended solidly and Rangers struggled to turn possession into chances, frequently firing wide of target.
There were several half opportunities for Dumbarton, too. Steven Craig and Grant Gallagher (pictured) just missed out early on. Then Craig headed well over after good work by Kevin Cawley down the wing.
Both sides had soft penalty appeals, leaving referee Crawford Allan unmoved. Rangers continued to press hard, but were continually frustrated in front of goal.
Immediately after the break the Ibrox side went in front. Jason Holt nodded the ball home after some hesitant Sons defending.
Just before the hour it was 2-0 to Rangers when Martyn Waghorne swung a beautiful shot past after a fast counter-attacking move.
On 65 minutes it was almost three goals, but somehow James Tavernier managed to cannon a free header on the goal line down off the crossbar. A fortunate escape for Sons.
The visitors were well on the ropes by now. First substitute Nathan Oduwa wrapped up the points for Rangers by slotting home from a Lee Wallace cutback.
Then Andrew Halliday crashed in a penalty for 4-0 after Sons’ Steven Saunders was red carded for a foul on Wallace.
Full match report, photos, reaction, and Sons TV to follow.
Simon Barrow