James Tavernier’s brace helps Rangers to Viaplay Cup victory against Hearts
Skipper James Tavernier scored a second-half double as Rangers swept into the Viaplay Cup final with a hard-fought 3-1 win over Hearts at Hampden Park.
The Gers right-back opened the scoring with a penalty five minutes after the interval before substitute Scott Wright fired in a second five minutes later.
Tavernier’s superb 20-yard free-kick in the 64th minute effectively clinched a place in the December 17 final against Aberdeen, giving Philippe Clement – unbeaten in his first five games as Rangers boss – his first chance to win silverware.
@James_Tavernier | #ViaplayCup pic.twitter.com/96lRbRdIVK
— Rangers Football Club (@RangersFC) November 5, 2023
Hearts skipper Lawrence Shankland scored a penalty with 10 minutes remaining but it proved no more than a consolation for the Jambos who had conceded two late goals in a 2-1 cinch Premiership defeat at Ibrox last weekend.
Following their victory against Dundee on Wednesday night, Clement brought in left-back Borna Barisic and midfielder Todd Cantwell.
Steven Naismith made four changes from the midweek win over Livingston with defender Toby Sibbick, midfielders Jorge Grant and Calem Nieuwenhof and Kenneth Vargas returning to the side which had the first effort on goal after five minutes when Shankland’s curling shot was comfortably saved by Gers keeper Jack Butland.
Rangers slowly worked their way forward.
Heart of Midlothian v Rangers – Viaplay Cup – Semi Final – Hampden Park
In the 16th minute striker Danilo, wearing a mask to protect a fractured cheekbone, and who scored an added-time winner last week, worked a one-two with Cantwell and flashed a shot just over the crossbar.
Hearts keeper Zander Clark saved headers from Light Blues forward Abdallah Sima and Cantwell, both from
Read on m.allfootballapp.com
