Livingston’s Hampden dreams were dashed following a 4-0 defeat to Rangers to Ibrox, writes David Hastie.
Goals from Abdallah Sima, Ridvan Yilmaz, a Luiyi De Lucas own goal and Ryan Jack sank the Lions at the quarter-final stage of the Viaplay Cup.
As perhaps expected, it was the home side who had the majority of the early play, with an early corner coming in from the right-hand side finding Ben Davies, however his flick was over the bar before Shamal George was forced into a great save to tip James Tavernier's close range effort over the bar.
It would only take 10 minutes for the deadlock to be broken, and it would go the way of the hosts. Jamie Brandon appeared to be pushed off the ball by Sima, however referee Willie Collum saw nothing wrong with the challenge with the Rangers man able to coolly pick his spot and curl the ball into the far corner.
It could have been two just minutes later, with Sam Lammers getting to the by-line on the right-hand side of the box, however his cross was headed away for a corner from Brandon.
Rangers appeared to take their foot off the gas with any moves forward feeling laboured and lack lustre, although a beautiful clipped ball over the top of the defence by Cifuentes found Sima, with his attempt saved well by George.
The Lion’s best chance of the half came seven minutes before the break, with James Penrice racing forward from left back and his pass finding Stephen Kelly, however his curled shot from outside the box fell wide of the mark.
The second half started with the Lions looking a lot more positive on the ball, getting forward and causing Rangers problems but were unable to turn the opportunities into tangible chances. With Livi looking forward, it did allow Rangers a chance just
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