Dumbarton 1-4 Rangers: Three things we learned

By Alexander Cruickshanks

Rangers fans viewing the match by any way they can (Image: Getty Images)

Rangers returned to domestic football with a comfortable victory against Dumbarton in the Scottish Cup. Let’s take a look at what stood out from the game:

Cyriel Dessers with unique achievement

Dessers bagged Rangers’ second goal (Image: Getty Images)

Although the Rangers striker hasn’t met the standards of the Rangers fans and has been justly criticised, his overall output is not what is required to be a success at Ibrox. He has only six league goals, which is poor for a Rangers striker. However, with his goal against Dumbarton to put Rangers two goals in front he became the only player in Scottish football to score in five club competitions this season. Six league goals, a goal against Servette in Champions League qualifiers, an excellent goal in the Europa League against Real Betis, a penalty against Morton in the League Cup and his Scottish Cup goal against Dumbarton. Although he hasn’t delivered consistently, he’s shown up on occasion.

Crucial players return to fitness for Rangers

Some important players returned to the pitch for Rangers (Image: Getty Images)

To add to the victory for the Rangers fans, some important players made their return to the pitch. Squad depth has been a huge issue for Rangers this season. They have been plagued with injuries, and every time a player recovers, another takes his place. Most recently, Kieran Dowell and Abdallah Sima will be sidelined for a while. However, the Dumbarton game saw the return of fan favourite Ryan Jack as well as the Welsh technician Tom Lawerence and title-winning left-back Borna Barisic. These players returning to the squad is extremely important for Philippe Clement as rotation will be instrumental to the success of the team.

Clement isn’t taking any chances

Clement secured his first Scottish cup victory as Rangers manager (Image: Getty Images)

Despite facing League Two opposition, the Rangers team that was put out to face them was fairly strong. Except for Robby McCrorie, every player who started the game for Clement was a proven first-team player with experience in the top flight. This portrays the message that he wants to win every single game as a Rangers manager should. He won’t take risks to jeopardise the team's chances in every single competition.