The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Rangers post another comfortable win in Betfred Cup
Third straight victory gives Warbuton's side control of Group F
Joe Dodoo and Josh Windass grabbed their first Rangers goals as the Ibrox men all but booked their place in the last-16 of the Betfred Cup with a 3-0 win over East Stirlingshire.
Former Accrington youngster Windass has made an encouraging start to his Ibrox career since arriving.
After impressing against Motherwell and Annan in their opening Group F clashes, the 22-year-old playmaker opened his account as Mark Warburton’s team made it three wins from three against John Sludden’s part-timers.
The Ibrox men are yet to get up to full speed but even the sticky Ochilview plastic pitch could not slow them down as Gers toyed with the Lowland League minnows from the off.
Windass fired wide in the opening minutes before Harry Forrester did the same after Kenny Miller sent him flying in behind the home defence.
East Stirlingshire’s resistance lasted a quarter-of-an-hour. Referee Crawford Allan was quick to spot Ross Fisher’s tug on Barrie McKay and the punishment was an Andy Halliday penalty which fizzed past Darren Dolan’s reach.
The only surprise was it took until the 35th minute for the Light Blues to double their lead.
Halliday sprayed the ball wide for McKay, who wasted little time sending his cross to the back post. Windass’ first shot was blocked by Adam Murray but the 22-year-old made sure he found the net with his second.
Miller somehow blazed over from 10 yards out before the interval and Rangers were subdued somewhat after
the break when Windass failed to return as he limped off clutching his thigh.
Forrester and Niko Kranjcar had efforts after the break, while Dodoo made no mistake late on, netting from close range after Lee Wallace set it up.
Attendance: 2,246.
East Stirlingshire: Dolan, Greene, MacGregor (Comrie 66), Fisher, Murray, McGuigan, Andy Grant, Ure, Faulds, Hogg (White 82), David Grant (McMillan 71). Subs not used: Dean Shaw, Buist, Peddie.
Rangers: Gilks, Hodson, Hill, Danny Wilson, Wallace, Windass (Kranjcar 46), Halliday, Forrester (Thompson 65), O’Halloran (Dodoo 60), Miller, McKay. Subs not used: Foderingham, Kiernan, Waghorn, Hardie.
Referee: Crawford Allan.