IT WAS played in a blizzard – but a second-half goal blitz secured Rangers’ place in the sixth round.
Alan Forrest – brother of Celtic’s James, who’d scored a cup hat-trick 24 hours before – had taken advantage of Wes Foderingham’s mistake to put Ayr into the lead at snowy Somerset Park.
Alfredo Morelos levelled before the break – and as Ayr’s rearguard action was worn down, a quickfire treble from Jason Cummings, Josh Windass and Morelos again ended their resistance.
Windass grabbed his second and Jamie Murphy scored his first Rangers goal in what turned out to be a comfortable win.
The scoreline was harsh on a home side whose manager Ian McCall missed the game as he is recuperating following emergency eye surgery.
His side competed fiercely in the first-half but Rangers deserve credit for hanging in and eventually demonstrating their quality in comprehensive fashion.
Snow had blanketed the Somerset Park pitch in the morning but the pitch was cleared and was in good shape for the kick-off – although snow flurries continued during an engrossing first-half.
Rangers made two changes, with Greg Docherty in for his first start and Morelos returning to the starting line-up. Ayr brought in Andy Geggan, Jamie Adams and Craig Moore for Mark Kerr, Stevie Bell and David Ferguson.
Source: Read Full Article
