Rangers have become the first side to qualify for the Betfred Cup last 16 from the group stages after a straightforward 3-0 win over Stranraer at Ibrox.
The Gers came into tonight’s game knowing they needed just a point to win the group having won each of their opening three games.
Meanwhile their opponents Stranraer had also won both of their first two fixtures and were hoping to cause an upset.
But things unravelled early on for the visitors as Ross Barbour brought down Barrie McKay in the box.
Martyn Waghorn stepped up to take the spot kick and can count himself lucky as his effort squirmed under Stranraer keeper Cammy Belford into the back of the net to give the home side an early lead.
Waghorn doubled his and Rangers’ tally on 16 minutes as he latched on to an awful back-pass from Mark McGuigan before racing through to slot the ball home.
It wasn’t until early in the second half that the Ibrox side got their third as Niko Kranjcar, making his full debut, smashed the ball home before looking the most disappointed a player who has just scored on his debut for a new club has ever looked. Chin up, Niko.
The Gers will now have to wait until next Sunday to find out their opponents in the next round.
back4 