Robbie Leitch Makes Fourth Appearance in Betfred Cup Against Rangers

Rangers were the visiting team to the Falkirk stadium this afternoon in the Betfred Cup Last 16. The hosts who have only beaten the Premiership leaders on four occasions in 33 attempts were looking for their strongest performance of the season after a positive start in Scottish League One.

Lee Miller and David McCracken’s men got off to the worst possible start when Mark Durnan misjudged a long ball, allowing veteran Jermain Defoe to fire the visitors into an early lead. Falkirk grew into the game and even though they could not find a leveller they proved dangerous especially on set pieces. However, Rangers’ second of the afternoon did come on the half hour mark. After James Tavernier’s effort was saved by PJ Morrison, the resulting corner found Calvin Bassey who tapped in to double the visitors lead. Eleven minutes later Rangers made it three, Borna Barisic who despatched his free kick from twenty yards out on the right-hand side to give Rangers a third.

A further goal came in the second half, from the Premiership side. Six minutes played and the visiting skipper Tavernier finished neatly to hand further punishment to the hosts.

Robbie Leitch’s substitute appearance was his fourth in the cup competition this season after appearances against Dunfermline Athletic, Clyde and Dumbarton in the previous round. The 22-year-old replaced midfielder Charlie Telfer after seventy-four minutes and did cause a threat down the left-hand side but unfortunately after a series of chances in the second half the hosts just could not find the back of the net.

Falkirk welcome the visit of Peterhead next Saturday at the Falkirk Stadium as they turn their focus back to League One duty as they aim for promotion back to the Scottish Championship.