Rangers Held to Goalless Draw as Falkirk Closes Gap

Rangers recently dropped points in a disappointing goalless draw with Falkirk at Ibrox on Saturday. This disappointing result would have placed them nine points behind league leaders Hearts and seven points behind their bitter rivals, Celtic. The outcome of the match represented a crushing blow to Rangers’ season. They would’ve wanted nothing more than to use their home advantage to help close that gap at the top of the table.

Even with an extra game in hand, the Rangers lost their offensive touch. This deadlock prevented Falkirk from closing to within just two points of them in the table. So, Falkirk’s recent form, in truth, has been very impressive, having taken 15 points from the last 24 on offer. This performance only makes clear their steadily increasing competitiveness, as they stretch out and reach deeper into challenge for a better position-wise placement in the league.

There were plenty of talking points from the huge clash, start with one from Rangers’ goalkeeper Jack Butland. He produced an excellent one-handed stop with a volley from James Tavernier. Next, he was immediately on the field to prevent an opportunity to Calvin Miller, who would need to exit the game due to an eye injury.

Rangers tried to find a way to open the scoring with flashes of imagination. Nico Raskin threaded a precise ball through for substitute Gassama, who cut inside a defender and appeared poised to score. Falkirk’s goalkeeper Bain was quick to react and pulled off an important save. Bain saved Miovski from close range, highlighting his brilliance in goal.

Falkirk will rue a number of opportunities to take all three points. Aasgaard too, with a fantastic chance uncharacteristically mistiming his header, Ethan Williams stinging Butland’s hands from distance. Agyeman’s effort was one of a number of fierce efforts that the Rangers’ keeper refused to be beaten by, securing a scoreless tie with clean sheet.

The draw thus brings to a premature end Danny Röhl’s winning start as Rangers’ manager. Fans were dreaming of a return to his past form. As the league continues, both Rangers and Falkirk need to improve on their displays. Rangers will be hoping to reduce the gap on their title rivals, with Falkirk hoping to capitalise on their own winning run.