Rangers fought back from a 2-0 deficit against 10-man Livingston in West Lothian to draw 2-2, but dropped two valuable points in an increasingly dramatic William Hill Premiership title race.
Rangers take snatch point at Livingston
French defender Brooklyn Kabongolo gave the home team an unexpected lead in the 14th minute with a stunning volley. Livi goalkeeper Jerome Pryor did his part to keep the Light Blues at bay, with Lewis Smith extending the lead to two points in the 55th minute.
At the same time, Cristian Montano was sent off by referee Ryan Lee for denying Gers attacker Jadey Gassama a scoring opportunity, resulting in a match against the team at the bottom of the league.
Emmanuel Fernandes reduced the gap with a spectacular strike in the 81st minute, and Mikey Moore leveled the score with two minutes remaining, but Marvin Bartley’s side hung on for the extra nine minutes to claim a point.
Danny Rolle’s side are four points behind leaders Hearts with 10 games remaining, while third-placed Celtic are two points behind Gers after losing 2-1 to Hibernian at Parkhead, although they have played fewer games than the top two teams.
As always, excited Gers fans filled three-quarters of the stadium and in the sixth minute defender Tuer Rommens’ header from Moore’s cross hit the post by Prior and Fernandes headed over from a corner kick.
Those same supporters were stunned when Lions striker Robbie Muirhead took a free-kick deep into the Gers box and Kabongolo’s superb volley sailed past Butland to score his first goal for Livingston since signing for Isthmian League side Aveley.
Youssef Cermiti gave a great performance for Rangers
Livi added their second goal in their first real attack of the second half when an unmarked Smith received a pass from Emmanuel Danso 16 yards from goal and sent the ball low past Butland.
Hope came to the Govan side when Montano was sent packing to drag Gassama down just outside the penalty area. But it was all just breathtaking. Daniel Finlayson blocked a shot from Gers substitute Ryan Naderi, but Prior had no chance as Fernandes fired home from the edge of the box.
More drama was to come when Moore headed home from Tavernier’s cross to the delight of the traveling fans.
Worse than Skov Olsen: Rohr has to take off Rangers star after losing the ball 31 times
Danny Rohr has to let this Rangers team go, which was even worse than Andreas Skov-Olsen.
Late in stoppage time, when Moore was tackled by Cammy Kerr in front of the box, a lengthy VAR check was carried out in an attempt to award a penalty, but it was wasted and Gers ended up running out the clock.
Rangers battle England for League One’s crown jewels
According to a report in the Daily Mail, Rangers are currently listing their summer transfer targets and are interested in Derby County academy product and Huddersfield Town star Cameron Assia.
The 19-year-old forward, who can play on the wing or as a number 10, has scored six goals and provided three assists in 27 appearances for the Terriers this season, but failed to break into Derby’s first team.
The youngster, who has been likened to Manchester City starlet Jeremy Doku as one of the best wingers in world football, is currently attracting interest from Rangers, Hearts and several sides in the English Championship for his ability to get past defenders with ease, but it is unclear whether the Rams are interested in re-signing him.
The Gers are expected to bring in a new wave of young talent in the summer, with Rolle also planning moves for Dundee’s Cameron Congreve and Luke Graham.
Danny Rolle is currently personally scouting ‘exciting’ Dundee star as Rangers plan double summer raid
The Rangers boss means business.
