Michael Beale pressure off as Rangers storm to Hampden thanks to sizzling Sima and Yilmaz screamer – 3 talking points

Storm Agnes battered Britain but Michael Beale avoided one of his own as jeers turned to cheers after he guided Rangers into the Viaplay Cup semi-finals with a 4-0 victory over Livingston at Ibrox.

Abdallah Sima fired Rangers in front after 10 minutes with his fourth goal since his summer loan move rom Brighton - but it wasn’t without controversy after he appeared to commit a foul in the build up that will have David Martindale fuming. But there could be no arguments with the second goal as Ridvan Yilmaz scored a spectacular second to open his account for Rangers before Sima's deflected strike and Ryan Jack's goal sealed an emphatic win. It helps ease the pressure on Beale who can now look forward to a Hampden last four clash in September with this his side’s fourth win on the spin since their defeat to Celtic.

Rangers were booed off after a narrow weekend win over Motherwell and started this quarter final like a team with a huge point to prove and were right on the front foot as they looked for that opening goal to settle any nerves. And they got it after just 10 minutes with Sima curling a brilliant shot beyond Shamal George, although the opener wasn’t without controversy after the Senegalese wide man appeared to push Jamie Brandon over to win the ball on the wing.

But referee Willie Collum ruled no foul and VAR Nick Walsh and his assistant Gary Hilland didn’t spot a clear and obvious error from the whistler in allowing the goal to stand. Either way, it was just the start Beale’s boys wanted - and the one the visitors were desperate to avoid.

Rangers should have kicked on from that and they did play with much more purpose but when that second goal didn’t arrive, the men from west Lothian started to grow in