Lawrence Shankland delivered a spectacular brace, ensuring Rangers secured a second consecutive Scottish Premiership win with a 2‑1 triumph at Falkirk on Wednesday evening. The match took place under a rain‑soaked sky at Falkirk Stadium, where manager Derek McInnes was forced to observe from the stands due to a touchline ban imposed for remarks he made while managing Hearts last season.
The opening goal came early, as the former Jambos skipper collected a pass from Djeidi Gassama and struck the ball cleanly into the net after just eight minutes, giving Rangers an early lead. The early dominance, however, was short‑lived. Falkirk’s goalkeeper Kosta Nedeljković made an inexplicable error, deflecting the ball into his own net to level the scores before the break.
The second half saw Falkirk create several promising chances. Jacob Murrell, on his home debut, looked set to give the visitors the lead, but his effort was saved.
Aodhan Doherty also missed a golden opportunity after a mix‑up between Rangers keeper Ivor Pandur and Ross McCrorie. The substitute McCrorie later supplied the decisive pass to Shankland, who calmly slotted home the winner late in the game. John McGlynn’s Rangers side remain winless in the league, sitting just above the bottom‑placed Kilmarnock, while Rangers sit fifth on seven points from four fixtures. The match was punctuated by a series of notable moments, including a brilliant strike from Shankland at the 8‑minute mark, a defensive lapse that saw Nedeljković score an own‑goal at 44 minutes, and a second Shankland goal at 79 minutes that sealed the win.
Post‑match reactions highlighted the quality of Shankland’s finishing. Former Rangers midfielder Scott Arfield praised the striker, noting his instinctive touch and composure in front of goal, likening his finishes to “easy wee golf shots.” Arfield also commended Gassama’s reinvention and the effectiveness of Rangers’ front four. Sky Sports analyst Kris Boyd emphasized the importance of points and performance, acknowledging that while Rangers had enough to win, they needed to improve and become more clinical.
He pointed out the missed chances by Falkirk’s Murrell and praised Shankland’s consistent finishing. Rangers manager Derek McInnes, speaking to Sky Sports, described the performance as “too scrappy” and highlighted the numerous opportunities Falkirk created. He admitted that a lack of concentration and some careless fouls invited pressure, but he was satisfied with the three points and the team’s effort.
McInnes expressed optimism about the upcoming fixtures, including a crucial match against Aberdeen, and hinted that a win would be a “godsend" for the squad. Captain Shankland reflected on the win, saying he was delighted to follow up the weekend’s success with another positive result. He admitted the team had moments of indecision around Falkirk’s box but emphasized the need to be more decisive in the final third.
Shankland remained confident, promising to keep shooting with his left foot and acknowledging the scrutiny the team faces. Falkirk manager John McGlynn expressed disappointment for his players, who he felt gave their all without reward. He stressed that the team does not want to be known for playing attractive football without securing points.
McGlynn praised his side’s effort and highlighted the importance of turning performances into results, especially with upcoming games against Celtic and other opponents. Overall, the match showcased Rangers’ attacking firepower, anchored by Shankland’s clinical finishing, while also exposing defensive frailties that allowed Falkirk to create numerous chances. The win moves Rangers closer to their early‑season objectives and provides a platform to build upon as they aim for consistency in the Scottish Premiership.
The next fixtures will be crucial in determining whether the team can convert these moments of brilliance into a sustained title challenge.