Rangers cruised into the next round of the Scottish Cup with a commanding 5-0 victory over League Two side Annan Athletic at Ibrox, inspired by a clinical hat-trick from striker Bojan Miovski. The North Macedonian was the star of the show in a match that also offered fans a first glimpse of new loan signing Andreas Skov Olsen.
Miovski Masterclass Seals the Tie
In a heavily rotated side featuring nine changes, it took just 12 minutes for Rangers to break the deadlock. Miovski, who now has six goals this season, drove a low shot past Annan's debutant goalkeeper Charlie Albinson from 16 yards. He doubled his and Rangers' tally just after the half-hour mark, nodding in from close range after a fine cross from the right by Findlay Curtis.
The home side, who looked disjointed early on, settled after the second goal and effectively killed the tie early in the second half. Midfielder Kieran Dowell rose to head in his first goal of the season from a Joe Rothwell cross in the 48th minute. Miovski then completed his treble from the penalty spot in the 74th minute after substitute Rabbi Matondo was fouled in the box.
New Faces and a Stunning Finale
The match provided a platform for several squad players and new arrivals. Danish winger Andreas Skov Olsen, signed on loan from Wolfsburg, was paraded before kick-off alongside fellow new recruits Tochi Chukwuani and Tuur Rommens. Chukwuani came off the bench to make his debut in the second half.
The scoring was capped in spectacular fashion with just three minutes remaining. Substitute Thelo Aasgaard curled a magnificent 30-yard free-kick into the top corner for his fourth goal in six games, leaving Albinson with no chance. The result was a comprehensive one, despite a few early scares, and ensures Rangers' safe passage in the competition.
Looking Ahead in the Scottish Cup
With this fourth-round tie concluded, focus now shifts to the rest of the weekend's fixtures. The round continues on Saturday with matches including Dunfermline versus Hibernian and several all-Premiership clashes. It concludes on Sunday with Celtic travelling to face Auchinleck Talbot and Aberdeen hosting Raith Rovers.
For Rangers and manager Danny Rohl, the emphatic win provides momentum and valuable minutes for the squad's fringe players and new signings as they progress in their quest for Scottish Cup glory.
