Rangers made a stunning comeback against Falkirk to remain firmly in the Scottish Premiership title race with five games remaining.
Danny Rolle’s side started the day in third place after wins over Hearts and Celtic on Saturday, but things looked set to get worse when Ben Broggio and Finn Yates gave the Bairns a 2-0 lead.
Toti Chukwanui grabbed a goal before half-time and Rangers got off to a good start to the second half, taking a 3-2 lead with goals from Youssef Cermiti and Nico Raskin.
The Rangers increased the tempo. Bojan Miowski added a fourth and Falkirk’s Calvin Miller scored the third from the penalty spot after James Tavernier brought down Philippe Lissa.
However, Danny Rawls showed his title credentials as Miovski and Cermiti both scored again to bring the match to a close.
Rangers are back in second place, one point behind leaders Hearts, with Celtic a further two points behind.
A title race that keeps on giving
Rangers move into second place in the Premiership, one point behind leaders Hearts
It was only once this season that the top three teams in the Premiership had won in the same weekend, but Rangers didn’t want that record to end.
Chukwani’s controversial finish just before half-time was the start of an incredible comeback.
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Tochi Chukwani pulled one back for Rangers against Falkirk, but did the ball go out of play?
The home side appeared to be pausing in anticipation of a goal-kick after Ruskin’s cross curled over the goalmouth seconds after Thero Asgaard hit the post. But the ball hit Jaydee Gassama, whose header hit the post and Chukwani converted the rebound.
The introduction of Bojan Miovski in place of Mikey Moore at the break was an important change for Rohr.
Gassama moved to the left, won the ball on the edge of Falkirk’s box and curled in a low cross for Celmiti to score. He immediately created a great chance to put his team ahead.
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Youssef Cermiti hits the shot to equalize for Rangers against Falkirk shortly after the restart
Rangers became even more of a threat and took the lead in the 52nd minute. Ruskin rounded the outside of Asgord and tapped the Norwegian’s pass into the far corner for the first time.
Celmiti missed another chance, but Raskin set Miovski up and crossed from the left.
Falkirk got a lifeline in the 70th minute when Miller converted a penalty after Tavernier brought down Philippe Lissa.
However, as Rangers regained their two-goal cushion, Raskin was involved again and after Gassama’s shot was blocked, he darted out before Celmiti found the back of the net.
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Bojan Miovski scores Rangers’ fourth goal.
The Belgian midfielder was given a yellow card earlier to avoid a clear draw and was eventually registered to face Dylan Tait after hugging a Rangers fan after the goal.
Miovski converted Oliver Antman’s low cross from close range to score with two minutes remaining.
“We have to keep believing.”
Danny Rolle has only lost once in the Scottish Premiership since taking charge of Rangers.
Rangers head coach Danny Rolle told Sky Sports:
“We didn’t start well, exactly as we expected, struggling with the pitch for the first 10-15 minutes.
“But it’s a great response. We’re off and focused on the job we have to do.
“Of course it would be much easier to get a win and go on this short break, but the spirit is great and after the game you can see the relationship, the bond between the supporters and the team.
“We are now one team, which is great.
“Looking back, four or five months ago I was in this situation here at Falkirk and after today’s game (when Russell Martin was sacked).
“This says a lot about our direction from the club. We believe in what the supporters have told us and keep moving forward, that’s what we have to do.”
