Connor Goldson takes Rangers on Scottish Cup Sunday stroll as stayaway Union Bears boycott win – 3 talking points

Rangers booked a third trip to Hampden this season as they eased into Monday's Scottish Cup semi-final draw with a comfortable 3-0 win over Raith Rovers at Ibrox Stadium.

It wasn't a vintage display by Michael Beale's men but they were never in any serious danger of being on the end of a giant killing against the gritty Championship side. Connor Goldson's header late in the first half saw them get the breakthrough after the Fifers frustrated them for much of the opening 45 minutes and the unfortunate Ryan Nolan's own goal in the second half killed off any hope for Ian Murray's men. Scott Arfield slotted home the third after coming on as a sub to put a bit of gloss to the scoreline.

John Lundstram was the only change from the team that impressed so much in the midweek win over Hibs at Easter Road with Ryan Jack, arguably the best performer in that game, sitting this one out as Beale revealed they are managing a calf issue with the midfielder.

It was the Fifers who had the first effort with an audacious long ranger from Ismael Goncalves as he capitalised on sloppy play from Connor Goldson and tried to catch Allan McGregor off his line, but it was just wide of target. However, the home side had all of the possession after that and it was just about finding the breakthrough. Skipper James Tavernier was denied by a brilliant Jamie MacDonald save and Goldson’s shot was blocked on the line.

It was a frustrating first half for the Light Blues as they failed to get through a wall of fusion pink jerseys. Antonio Colak headed wide of target and Lundstram fired over the crossbar before the breakthrough finally arrived three minutes before half-time. Borna Barisic had sent in plenty of inviting crosses in the first half with nobody