Shankland brace fires Rangers to 2-1 win at Falkirk
Lawrence Shankland scored twice as Rangers beat Falkirk 2-1 in the Scottish Premiership on Wednesday night. The Rangers captain struck after eight minutes and again late on, either side of a Kosta Nedeljkovic own goal, giving Derek McInnes back-to-back league wins while Falkirk remain winless.
Key Takeaways
- Lawrence Shankland’s brace secured a 2-1 Rangers win at Falkirk Stadium.
- Kosta Nedeljkovic’s own goal levelled the score before half-time.
- Rangers sit fifth on seven points from four games; Falkirk remain without a league win.
- Derek McInnes watched from the stand as his touchline ban began.
- Falkirk wasted several clear chances after the break before Shankland’s late winner.
How did Shankland decide the Falkirk vs Rangers match?
Shankland opened the scoring in the eighth minute, collecting a ball from Djeidi Gassama, switching onto his left foot and firing past Bain. Kim Min-Su later struck the post as Rangers started brightly under rainy conditions at Falkirk Stadium.
Falkirk equalised in the 44th minute when Ethan Ross crossed and Aston Villa loanee Nedeljkovic turned the ball into his own net past Ivor Pandur. After the break, Jacob Murrell twice shot straight at Pandur when well placed, and substitute Aodhan Doherty also missed with the goal gaping.
In the 79th minute, Shankland took Ross McCrorie’s pass, touched it on and swept another left-footed finish into the bottom corner. According to Sky Sports, the Scotland striker now has four goals in nine matches this season for Rangers.
Where do Rangers and Falkirk stand after the result?
Rangers have won consecutive Premiership matches following Sunday’s 1-0 victory at Aberdeen and are fifth with seven points from four games. Falkirk remain winless and sit only above pointless Kilmarnock.
McInnes named two changes from the Aberdeen win, with Nico Raskin returning to the starting XI and Nedeljkovic making his first start. The official Fintech & Crypto Alerts desk is tracking the wider Premiership picture as the Ibrox side look to build momentum.
What did the managers say after the game?
McInnes called the display “too scrappy” and said Rangers invited unnecessary pressure, while welcoming another three points away from home. Shankland said winning breeds confidence and that the side still has plenty to improve.
Falkirk boss John McGlynn said he was “absolutely gutted” for his players, who created strong second-half chances but could not convert. He argued that if Shankland had worn Falkirk colours, the Bairns would have won, and stressed the need to turn performances into points.