Rangers defeat Celtic to win Glasgow Cup after superb Lovelace winner

Zak Lovelace <i>(Image: SNS Group)</i>
Zak Lovelace (Image: SNS Group)
This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald.

Rangers B lifted the Glasgow Cup after a hard-fought 3-2 victory over rivals Celtic B at the City Stadium in Mount Florida.

In a see-saw encounter where both teams had spells of dominance, David McCallum's side earned the trophy on the back of a moment of magic from substitute Zak Lovelace.

After an opening period that was high on endeavour but low on chances, Rangers took the lead after 15 minutes. Celtic were caught napping by the intensity of the Rangers press when returning from injury first teamer Oscar Cortes won the ball from Celtic keeper Aidan Rice and crossed for Paul Nsio to tap in from close range.

Celtic reacted well to the setback, pushing forward for an equaliser with Sean McArdle going close with a sharp shot from 25 yards and they got a deserved equaliser when Daniel Cummings capitalised on a Zander Hutton mistake in the box, firing low past Mason Munn.

The game descended into a midfield battle with Celtic slightly better in controlling the ball but Rangers looking threatening on the break with the pace of Rabbi Matondo and Cortes a constant menace.

Rangers B manager David McCallum moved to replace the duo at the break with Archie Stevens and Chris Eadie coming on. Despite the loss of two established stars, Rangers looked much improved. They surged forward at will, suddenly looking a more cohesive attacking unit.


Read more:


They nearly got their reward when Nsio leapt highest in the box but his header smacked the post. While Celtic cleared, the pressure didn't dissipate and a further deep cross from Robbie Fraser caused chaos before the ball was punched by Rice straight in the path of Cole McKinnon. The midfielder made his moment count with a controlled half-volley into the bottom corner of the net.

Celtic tried to seize back the momentum and went close after Francis Turley's cross was misjudged by Mason Munn but Lenny Agbaire couldn't control to tap it into an empty net at the back post.

Celtic eventually got an equaliser with 15 minutes remaining when substitute Samuel Isiguzo slid to convert from close range after another dangerous Turley cross. And they should have taken the lead when Isiguzo had a golden chance to grab a brace but ballooned the ball over the bar when found unmarked inside the box.

And Rangers made their rivals pay for their profligacy when substitute Zak Lovelace delivered the game's defining moment with just three minutes left on the clock. The English attacker controlled a long ball brilliantly, flicking it over his head before showcasing electric pace to get in behind and poke beyond Rice to spark scenes of wild celebration.

Get involved
with the news

Send your news & photos