Credit: Imago

Oliver Walton

Sat 16 August 2025 19:54, UK

Rangers survived an early setback to progress to the quarter-finals of the Premier Sports Cup against League One opponents Alloa Athletic on Saturday (16 August) afternoon.

Cole Palmer woeful, 8/10 shines - Chelsea player ratings v Crystal Palace	Eze unlucky, 9/10 shines - Crystal Palace player ratings vs Chelsea	Former Liverpool star shines on debut at new club

Rangers got off to a quick start at Ibrox as Nedim Bajrami curled a fine strike into the top-right corner to give his side the lead, but they were surprisingly pegged back soon after as Joe Rothwell diverted into his net after Liam Kelly’s failed clearance.

Russell Martin’s side were only behind for four minutes as summer signing Emmanuel Fernandez nodded home to put them back into the ascendancy, and they extended their lead in the second-half as James Tavernier dispatched a penalty with confidence.

(Credit Hasan Karim, Breaking Media)

Martin’s side suffered a late scare as their League One opponents pulled one back through Scott Taggart, but Findlay Curtis scored just before full-time as they eventually they progressed into the quarter-finals of the Premier Sports Cup with a 4-2 win.

Liam Kelly – 5

Kelly struggled to give confidence to his defence early on with some shaky moments, and he was at fault for Alloa’s first goal as his attempted clearance smashed into Rothwell and into the net.

Max Aarons – 5

Quiet.

Aarons was weak at the back and rarely managed to start attacks from right-back, which is what Martin will demand from a player of his quality.

Nasser Djiga – 5

He went down after a good challenge by a visiting player which eventually led to their first goal, and again never looked confident in his own abilities up against a League One strike force.

MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES

Emmanuel Fernandez – 7

Grabbed a well-taken goal on his debut as he popped up in the box when the Gers needed him most.

Rothwell was a clear cut above the visitors midfield throughout and he got Rangers moving up the pitch on numerous occasions.

Nedim Bajrami – 8 (Player of the Match)

Fantastic.

He curled home a wonderful goal early on and could have had a few more if he had been able to pick out the top corner once again.

Oscar Cortes – 5

Cortes played poorly when he really needed to take his chance and prove that he can be a threat to Martin going forward.

He was their main outlet in the first-half and always looked to get on the ball to create a chance.

(Credit: Imago)

Substitutes

James Tavernier (on for Rice 44?) – 7

His usual strong showing with another penalty goal to add to the collection.

Still lots more to come from the Norway international.

[Credit Imago]

Connor Barron (on for Rothwell 68?) – 6

Barron did not really put a foot wrong late on as he replicated Rothwell’s intensity and quality with ease against tired Alloa legs.

Findlay Curtis (on for Cortes 84?) – 6

Took his goal really nicely at the end despite hardly touching the ball prior to that moment.
For more news relating to Rangers, visit our sister site Rangers Latest Live.