Scottish Cup: Three things we learned as sportsmanship pays off for Rangers
It was a weekend full of controversy and upsets as the fifth round of the Scottish Cup concludes. Here are three things we learned from an exciting and dramatic stage of fixtures:
Michael Beale’s good deed helps Rangers progress
RANGERS 3-2 PARTICK THISTLE
It was an eventful evening at Ibrox as Rangers edged past Partick Thistle on Sunday. With Thistle’s Kevin Holt scoring a penalty and Antonio Colak equalising five minutes into the second half, the game erupted with controversy. The referee gave a drop ball to the opposition, with them deciding to kick the ball back as Rangers were previously in possession before the stoppage. However, Malik Tillman thought otherwise. The American pounced onto the ball and dribbled past the Thistle ‘keeper to put his team ahead.
Ian McCall's side were absolutely livid and demanded the referee disallowed the goal. After chats with James Tavernier, the Rangers boss decided to let Partick Thistle go through and score a goal, much to the demise of the home support. Despite the game being level, Rangers battled hard to find their winner as James Sands scored from the corner and helped his side go through to the next round.
Michael Beale was praised for his decision but was more focused on trying to protect Malik Tillman from more scrutiny. Speaking after the match, he said: “Malik Tillman is a fantastic young player and I don’t want that hanging around his head. He has never cheated anyone in his life and as a football club we have high standards.”
Despite losing narrowly, McCall was proud of his side and felt there was nothing else they could do. He said: “We're full of pride but full of disappointment as well. The players were absolutely magnificent. They allowed us to score the goal to get us to 2-2 and then it was game on, And, unfortunately, Rangers scored from a set play.”
End of the road for Stevie Hammell
RAITH ROVERS 3-1 MOTHERWELL
Another embarrassing watch for Motherwell fans as the Steelmen suffered defeat to Championship side Raith Rovers. Motherwell came into this match with a winless run stretching back to October of last year so the pressure has been on the shoulders of Stevie Hammell for a long time.
The start of the game was becoming a pattern for Motherwell as they were down by two goals in the opening 40 minutes. A Jamie Gullan penalty and Sam Stanton’s tap-in helped put Ian Murray’s side ahead at the break. Despite Kevin Van Veen getting a goal back for his club, any sort of motivation for Motherwell disappeared as Esmaël Gonçalves scored the hosts' third and put them into the hat for the fifth round.
The defeat marks the end of Hammell’s reign as Motherwell manager, a decision many felt was the ‘cheap’ option. With former Ross County boss Stuart Kettlewell taking interim charge, it's back to the drawing board for Motherwell as they try to find the right person that will appease fans and help the club avoid relegation.
Motherwell captain Liam Kelly spoke about his immense disappointment after the game and what the club needs to do to fix their situation. He said: “Collectively as a team, we are not good enough. Confidence is really low but only ourselves can get us out of this situation. It's really tough but we'll fight, we'll grind and we need to stick together.”
With the performance and desire his side put in, Ian Murray was over the moon with his players on Saturday. He said: “The resilience of the players is incredible, their character this season has been remarkable. I really can't speak highly enough of them, we were bang on it today.”
Inverness strike fear into David Martindale's men
LIVINGSTON 0-3 INVERNESS CALEDONIAN THISTLE
It was another great result for the Scottish Championship as Inverness ran riot over Premiership outfit Livingston. Despite being knocked out in the previous round, Inverness were reinstated into the tournament after Queens Park fielded an ineligible player.
With the game level, it was the Highland side that took control of the match as they scored three goals in the second half with Billy McKay earning a brace and Sean Welsh heading the ball into the far corner.
David Martindale’s side showed barely any glimpses of a comeback as they struggled to cope with the pressure from Billy Dodds’ men. The result means that it is now 18 years since Livingston has reached a Scottish Cup quarter-final. For Inverness, the unexpected dream continues as they play Ayr United for a place at Hampden.
The Livingston manager spoke on the club's performance and could tell straight away, they were in for a tough afternoon. He said: “I've got to give credit to Inverness, they came here with a game plan and executed it very well. It didn't look like a Livingston team. Our shape was all over the place for the first two goals and I need to reflect on that.”
Billy Dodds was full of praise for his side as their Scottish Cup journey carries on. He said: “It's the best performance since I've been here. We've had some big results but performance-wise, looking dangerous and solid in shape, helping one another out, being ruthless in front of goal. It was all there today.”
Scottish Cup Quarter Final Draw:
FALKIRK vs AYR UNITED
HEART OF MIDLOTHIAN vs CELTIC
INVERNESS CALEDONIAN THISTLE vs KILMARNOCK
RANGERS vs RAITH ROVERS