The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Injury mars Rangers’ relentless march
Annan Athletic 1 Rangers 3 RANGERS
ASSISTANT manager Kenny McDowallab solved Annan’s artificial surface of any blame for the ankle injury that led to defender Darren Cole being carried off on a stretcher during his side’s 3-1 victory.
Cole’s first start of an injury-hit season ended in the 56th minute after he pulled up in clear pain after making a forward run and challenge.
Rangers partly blamed the Galabank pitch after David Templeton, who scored twice, suffered ankle ligament damage when Rangers drew 0-0 at Annan in September.
However, McDowall said: “He has twisted his ankle and he has had ankle problems, so at this moment, we don’t know the extent but we just hope it’s not as bad as we fear.
“I think he has stood on the boy’s boot and twisted it, so I wouldn’t say it was on the pitch because he was fine first half.”
McDowall was “delighted” to see Rangers overcome Ally Love’s equaliser to claim their 11th consecutive Irn-Bru Third Division win.
Templeton opened the scoring in the 26th minute with a sliced cross but Love soon levelled with a replica goal.
Robbie Crawford’s impressive finish put Rangers back in front in the 63rd minute and Templeton struck a late deflected effort.
McDowall, whose side were without both Lee McCulloch and Emilson Cribari, said: “It’s a great three points. We had to make a few changes and the boys that came in did very well.
“It’s not an easy place to come and we got the points, so we’re well pleased.”
McDowall revealed Rangers had made no fresh bid to speak to Hearts defender Ryan McGowan, who is set for talks with Chinese Super League side Shandong Luneng.