Penalties take Rangers through

Rangers go through to the fifth round of the Scottish after a game full of excitement.

And with the drama of a penalty shootout to settle the tie it kept fans on tenterhooks for the full ninety minutes, and beyond.

One of only a handful of games to go ahead on Saturday due to the inclement weather, the artificial surface of Largs 4g pitch allowed both sides plenty of scope to play to their strengths, although the football probably did not quite reach the standard of the previous week’s encounter.

Rangers made a good start and forced a few early corners from one of which a Whiteford header was not far away.

It soon settled down to a fairly even contest and Phil Dolan was being closely marked after his great display in the first game, but was still managing to get over some good crosses. Then in 25 minutes Largs’ goalkeeper Weir spilled a simple shot and McLaren following up, rounded him and tapped in to put Rangers ahead.

Their lead though, as in the first game, was shortlived. Within five minutes Largs were level when Walton fired in a great low shot from a wide left position.

Rangers hit back just three minutes later when David Barr shot home from six yards following a free-kick. Rangers were well on top now and looked to have scored a good third goal when McLaren again netted but the linesman’s flag was up for offside, although it appeared to be a very doubtful decision.

For the full report see this week’s Cumbernauld News and Kilsyth Chronicle - on sale now!