Rangers striker Jermain Defoe in action. (Getty Images)
Rangers and Kilmarnock face a Scottish Cup fifth-round replay at Ibrox after a goalless draw at Rugby Park on Saturday. The Gers were held by Kilmarnock as James Tavernier missed a first-half penalty and neither side could find the breakthrough.
Jermain Defoe started up front in place of the suspended Alfredo Morelos for Rangers. Andy Halliday replaced Borna Barisic at left-back.
Kilmarnock made the better start, with Connor McAleny coming close from 25 yards after winning the ball inside the Rangers half. Allan McGregor then kept out a Chris Burke free-kick. Rangers had to be defensively solid to keep Kilmarnock at bay and they did exactly that.
Steven Gerrard’s Rangers were awarded a penalty when Kirk Broadfoot was penalised for handball after he dived on to the floor to block Scott Arfield’s low shot with his body. They had a glorious chance to take the lead after a quarter of an hour but James Tavernier missed from the spot, leaving Gerrard frustrated.
Kilmarnock also had a chance to put their noses in front in the first half, after a Burke corner sparked a goalmouth scramble which was cleared off the line by Halliday.
Gerrard would have demanded more from his boys after the break but chances weren’t just arriving for Rangers as the midfield trio of Scott Arfield, Ross McCrorie and Ryan Jack struggled to control the tempo of the game. Slowly, the Gers started dominating the possession as the game opened up.
Joe Worrall had an excellent chance to put Rangers ahead but he headed wide from inside the six-yard box from Halliday’s corner. Defoe then missed a fantastic opportunity after McCrorie had robbed Youssouf Mulumbu and played him clean through. That was as close as Rangers came.
Kilmarnock did well to hold Rangers and both sides now will have to fight all over again at Ibrox to book a place in the next round of the Scottish Cup.
Frustrated with the team’s performance as well as the result, here’s how some Rangers fans reacted on Twitter.
Experiencing a live football match in a stadium is genuinely remarkable. The atmosphere differs significantly from watching on a screen. The energy and excitement are contagious, immersing you in the game like never before. If you're gearing up for your inaugural football match, knowing what to expect is essential. The sheer intensity of being surrounded by hundreds or thousands of passionate fans can be overwhelming. To ensure you make the most of this unique experience, here are some tips for first-timers: Secure Tickets Early Getting tickets is crucial, especially for popular events like the World Cup or highly anticipated matches. Buying online is often the most convenient method. As the season progresses, ticket demand increases, leading to quick sell-outs. Prices can vary based on team popularity, stadium quality, and other factors. You can think about buying your tickets in cryptocurrency. Consider using USDT but first understand tether meaning to know how to go about it. If you have a specific team or player you want to see, plan accordingly by checking their schedule and securing tickets early for the best experience. …
FRANCE WIN 14-0 🤯Les Bleus score 14 (FOURTEEN) times vs. Gibraltar for their biggest-ever win.…
Aston Villa are having a very fine season so far in the Premier League. The…
The Premier League run-in, the backend of the title race for Manchester City sees them…
Everton is having a bad season so far, from their poor form in the league…
Communication is the heartbeat of any successful soccer team. On the field, amidst the flurry…