Lawrence Shankland delivered a spectacular brace that helped Rangers clinch a 2‑1 win against Falkirk, extending their run of consecutive Scottish Premiership triumphs. The match, played under a drizzle at Falkirk Stadium on Wednesday evening, saw the Rangers manager Derek McInnes watching from the stands as he served the first match of a touch‑line suspension imposed for remarks he made while managing Hearts last season. The opening goal came early, with Shankland capitalising on a pass from teammate Djeidi Gassama. After just eight minutes, the Rangers captain collected Gassama’s ball, turned onto his left foot and struck a powerful finish that left Falkirk keeper Ivor Pandur with no chance.
The early lead gave the visitors a boost, but the game remained tightly contested. Falkirk responded before the break when goalkeeper Kosta Nedeljković, attempting to clear a cross from Ross, inadvertently deflected the ball into his own net, levelling the score at 1‑1. The own‑goal was a baffling moment, as Nedeljković’s clearance should have cleared the danger rather than gifting the opposition an equaliser.
The second half saw Falkirk create several promising chances. Jacob Murrell, making his home debut, found a clear opportunity that could have put the hosts ahead, but his effort lacked the necessary power and Pandur made the save. Aodhan Doherty also missed a golden chance after a mix‑up between the Rangers keeper and Ross McCrorie, but his miss was quickly avenged when the substitute set up Shankland for the decisive strike.
In the 79th minute, Shankland collected a well‑timed pass from McCrorie, took a touch to steady himself and unleashed a low drive into the bottom corner, restoring Rangers’ lead. The goal proved to be the winner, and the match ended 2‑1 in favour of the Glasgow side.
The result leaves John McGlynn’s Falkirk side still winless in the league, sitting just above the bottom‑placed Kilmarnock, while Rangers sit fifth on seven points from four fixtures. Both managers reflected on the performance in post‑match interviews.
Rangers captain Shankland expressed satisfaction with the result, saying he was "delighted to follow up from the weekend with another good result" and emphasising the importance of confidence when the team starts to win games. He also highlighted the need to improve in the final third and pledged to keep shooting with his left foot. Former Rangers midfielder Scott Arfield, speaking on Sky Sports, praised Shankland’s finishing instincts, noting that the striker "just touches it and knows where the goal is" and describing his finish as "an easy wee golf shot". Arfield also commended Gassama for reinventing himself and contributing two goals.
Sky Sports analyst Kris Boyd commented that while Rangers earned the three points, they need to raise the overall quality of their performances, pointing out that the match was a "slogfest" and that the team’s success hinges on the efficiency of its strikers. He underscored the missed chances from Falkirk’s Murrell as evidence of the difference in clinical finishing. Rangers manager Derek McInnes was candid about his team’s display, calling it "too scrappy for my liking" and highlighting the abundance of Falkirk opportunities. He admitted that a lack of concentration at times led to unnecessary fouls and pressure on his side, but he was pleased with the effort and the three points earned.
McInnes also looked ahead to upcoming fixtures, hoping the squad can build momentum with two home games on the horizon. Falkirk boss John McGlynn, on the other hand, admitted he was "absolutely gutted for the players" after the defeat. He stressed that the team does not want to be remembered for playing attractive football without converting it into points. McGlynn praised his players for their effort and said that despite the loss, there were positives to take forward, especially after a respectable showing at Celtic Park.
The match featured several notable moments captured in the broadcast highlights: Shankland’s opening strike, Nedeljković’s own‑goal, a series of saves by Pandur, and the late winner that sealed the victory. Fans were encouraged to watch the Scottish Premiership on Sky and to enjoy free highlights online. Overall, the fixture showcased the fine margins that decide games in the Scottish top flight. Rangers, despite a lackluster overall performance, secured three points thanks to Shankland’s clinical finishing, while Falkirk fell short despite creating a handful of quality chances.
The win keeps Rangers in contention for a higher league finish, and the performances of Shankland and Gassama will likely be cited as key factors in the club’s push for success this season.