Lawrence Shankland delivered a spectacular brace that ensured Rangers secured consecutive Scottish Premiership triumphs with a 2-1 win at Falkirk on Wednesday evening. The Rangers manager, Derek McInnes, was relegated to the stands at the rain‑soaked Falkirk Stadium as he began serving a touch‑line suspension imposed for remarks he made while managing Hearts last season. It was the former Rangers captain who opened the scoring in style, seizing a pass from Djeidi Gassama and thumping the ball home after just eight minutes.
The early lead, however, did not guarantee a comfortable performance. Before the break, Falkirk’s goalkeeper Kosta Nedeljković made a baffling mistake, inadvertently directing the ball into his own net to level the scores. The visitors then dominated much of the second half, creating a flurry of chances. Jacob Murrell, on his home debut, should have given Falkirk the lead but failed to convert.
Aodhan Doherty also squandered a golden opportunity after a mix‑up between Rangers keeper Ivor Pandur and defender Ross McCrorie. Later, the substitute who caused the confusion set up his captain, who calmly slotted home the decisive goal late in the match.
John McGlynn’s Falkirk side remain winless in the league, sitting just above Kilmarnock, who have yet to earn a point. Rangers, meanwhile, sit fifth with seven points from four fixtures, keeping their early‑season momentum intact.
Key moments of the match included: - 8′ Goal – Shankland received Gassama’s ball, cut inside onto his left foot and fired a low shot into the net. - 44′ Own‑goal – Nedeljković attempted a clearance from a Ross cross, but mis‑hit the ball, sending it past his own keeper. - 79′ Goal – Shankland collected a pass from McCrorie, took a touch and curled a finish into the bottom corner to restore the lead.
Post‑match analysis featured former Rangers midfielder Scott Arfield on Sky Sports, who praised Shankland’s poise and finishing ability, likening his touches to an effortless golf shot. Arfield also highlighted Gassama’s resurgence, noting the winger’s two goals as evidence of his renewed confidence. Sky Sports commentator Kris Boyd observed that while Rangers earned three points, the performance was far from convincing.
He emphasized the importance of converting chances and pointed out that Falkirk’s missed opportunities underscored the need for a more clinical striker, a role Shankland fulfilled admirably. Rangers boss Derek McInnes, speaking to Sky Sports, admitted the team’s display was “too scrappy” and criticized the lack of concentration in the final third.
He explained that a series of careless fouls and a tendency to retreat into a defensive cul‑de‑sac invited pressure from Falkirk. Nonetheless, he expressed satisfaction with the win, noting the team’s effort and the three points as a positive step toward upcoming fixtures against Aberdeen and further home games.
Captain Lawrence Shankland, also interviewed by Sky Sports, said he was delighted to follow up the weekend’s success with another win. He reflected on the need to sharpen decision‑making in the box and pledged to keep shooting with his left foot. Shankland acknowledged the heightened scrutiny surrounding the club but remained confident that continued victories would build confidence and make the squad’s work feel easier. Falkirk manager John McGlynn lamented the missed chances, describing his side as “gutted” after putting in a strong effort without reward.
He emphasized the desire to avoid being labeled a team that plays attractive football but fails to collect points. McGlynn praised his players’ effort and suggested that a respectable performance at Celtic Park would be a better benchmark than a solitary draw. Overall, the match showcased Rangers’ attacking potential, especially through Shankland’s clinical finishing, while also exposing defensive frailties that need addressing. Falkirk, despite the loss, demonstrated resilience and created several opportunities that, if converted, could have altered the outcome.
Both managers highlighted the importance of concentration, experience, and seizing chances as the Scottish Premiership campaign progresses.