Rangers had to do it the hard way, as they came behind to gain a point in Livingston, in an enthralling last 20 minutes of the match
Rangers started strong, creating numerous chances in the opening five minutes, the best coming from a Tuur Rommens free header which Jerome Prior tipped onto the post.
Livingston opened the scoring in the 14th minute from a set-piece, which fell to Brooklyn Kabongolo as he hit a spectacular volley which flew into Jack Butland’s net.
Shortly after the opener, Rangers were awarded a free kick in a dangerous area. Which James Tavernier’s effort from just outside the 18-yard box was parried away from Prior. Prior’s save then landed at Emmanuel Fernandez who was unable to sort his feet as his effort flew over the crossbar.
The opening goal gave the home side and supporters lots of confidence, as they continued their pressure on the Rangers backline.
On the half hour mark, Mikey Moore dribbled past the Livingston midfield with ease and released an effort which again was saved fantastically by Prior.
The pressure from Rangers was slowly creeping back, James Tavernier with a strike that didn’t cause much trouble for Prior, but was more of a warning sign for Bartley’s squad.
A messy situation in the Livingston box, saw effort after effort blocked away from the hosts, a real fight and desire from The Lions.
After the interval, Rangers came out with real intensity. Bojan Miovski saw his tremendous effort tipped over the crossbar from Prior.
The Frenchman Prior was active again just moments later, Tuur Rommens’ cross found Nico Raskin just yards from the hosts goal, but was yet again denied.
Rangers’ afternoon went from bad to worse, on the 55th minute, Lewis Smith was found free inside the box, and his low driven effort left Butland with no chance. Giving The Lions a 2-0 lead with only 35 minutes to play.
Just moments after the second goal of the match, Cristian Montano saw red for denying a goal scoring opportunity. Djeidi Gassama was played in behind the Livingston defence as Montano fouled him from behind gaining none of the ball.
The Livingston defence were at it again, Daniel Finlayson somehow denied Ryan Naderi, as the Germans effort was cleared off the line.
On the 75th minute, Danny Rohl threw everything at it, but it just didn’t seem to be Rangers’ day, struggling to complete three or four passes in a row, it looked to be a day to forget for Rohl’s side.
On the 81st minute, Emmanuel Fernandez found space inside the danger area, which allowed him to fire an effort past Prior, giving Rangers a hope that they can keep their title challenge hopes alive.
Rangers found an equaliser late into the match, Mikey Moore’s header from Tavernier’s cross slicked along the surface into Prior’s net, sending the away crowd into a frenzy.
Mikey Moore was then one on one with Prior late into the match, when Cammy Kerr came sliding in taking Moore and the ball out. After a long VAR check, referee Ryan Lee cleared any penalty claims.
It wasn’t to be for Rangers this afternoon, but credit to Livingston for their guts and desire throughout the full match.
For Rangers, it’s a double header with rivals Celtic, as they look to put this one behind them and get back to winning ways.
For Marvin Bartley’s Livi, they host St Mirren, in a must win match to keep their survival hopes alive.
Prior (8), Kabongolo (8), Smith (7), Wilson (7), Montaño (5), McGowan (7), Tait (7), Finlayson (7), Muirhead (7), Danso (6), Pittman (5),
Sub Nouble (5), Kerr (6), Fati (4), Sylla (4), May (3)
Butland (4), Tavernier (5), Souttar (4), Fernandez (7), Rommens (7), Chukwuani (5), Raskin (5), Skov Olsen (3), Moore (7), Gassama (4), Chermiti (5)
Sub Miovski (3), Naderi (3), Aasgaard (4), Bajrami (5)
