Ramsdens Cup: Rangers 2-2 Queen of the South (3-4 pens)
Written by author on September 19, 2012
Rangers made a shock exit in the Ramsdens Cup after a penalty shoot-out defeat by Queen of the South at Ibrox.
Nicky Clark headed the Second Division side into the lead shortly after the break, only for Barrie McKay to level.
Rangers had Kevin Kyle sent off, but Lee McCulloch put the Division Three outfit ahead from the penalty spot.
Queens’ Willie Gibson was shown a red card, but Gavin Reilly levelled and, after extra time, Ryan McGuffie scored the decisive penalty.
Rangers, the Scottish champions from two seasons ago who find themselves in the bottom tier and out of the Scottish Premier League following financial problems, had targeted cup competitions as potential money-spinners this season.
Allan Johnston’s side gave an early indication of the form that has taken them to the top of Division Two – and led to him being named manager of the month – as long-range efforts from Chris Mitchell and Daniel Carmichael forced fine finger-tip saves from Scotland squad goalkeeper Neil Alexander.
Rangers manager Ally McCoist : “It’s a sore one, that’s for sure, and we’re really disappointed.
“To lose in the manner we did on penalties was disappointing and I don’t think there was a lot between the teams.
Queen of the South defender Ryan McGuffie : “I’m ecstatic. It was a great game to watch and a great game to be involved in.
Rangers : Alexander, Argyriou, Perry, Emilson Cribari, Wallace, McKay (Faure 79), McCulloch, Black, Macleod (Naismith 79), Shiels, Sandaza (Kyle 54). Subs Not Used: Gallacher, Aird.
Sent Off : Kyle (66). Booked : Kyle, Faure, Alexander.
Goals : McKay 55, McCulloch 72 pen.
Queen of the South : Robinson, McGuffie, Higgins, Durnan, Holt, Mitchell (Lyle 84), Derek Young, Carmichael (Orsi 97), Reilly, Gibson, Clark. Subs Not Used: Atkinson, Black, Johnston.
Sent Off : Gibson (90). Booked : Gibson, Higgins, Holt, Derek Young, McGuffie.
Goals : Clark 49, Reilly 90.
Att : 23,932
