Glasgow | More dropped points results in Martin's sacking

Falkirk 1 - 1 Rangers

A superb second-half strike earned Falkirk a valuable Scottish Premiership point and brought an abrupt end to Russell Martin’s reign as Rangers head coach.

Author | Mark Lee

Stadium | Falkirk Stadium

Pre-match scenes

For much of the contest, it looked as though Rangers might cling to the slender first-half lead given to them by Bojan Miovski’s first league goal, but substitute Henry Cartwright changed everything with a thunderous effort that flew beyond a helpless Jack Butland.

Only a fine late save from Butland prevented Brian Graham from snatching a winner as Falkirk pressed relentlessly in the closing stages.

The home side impressed throughout with their structure, intensity and ambition, yet were left ruing missed chances early on. Their dominance counted for little when Miovski pounced just before half-time, turning in a precise cross from stand-in left-back Derek Cornelius.

READ MORE | Rangers fan reaction to yet another defeat

That was one of few moments of quality from Rangers before the interval. They had earlier seen Djeidi Gassama’s effort ruled out for offside after Scott Bain’s save from Mikey Moore, but otherwise struggled to impose themselves as Falkirk’s energy and movement caused constant problems. Butland denied Ross MacIver, while Kyrell Wilson and Ethan Williams both went close before the break.

The second half grew scrappier but no less intense, with Falkirk determined to find a way through. MacIver headed narrowly wide from an Alfredo Agyeman cross, yet the hosts’ persistence was finally rewarded when Cartwright struck to level.

The equaliser sparked jubilation among the home fans and fury among the travelling support, who chanted angrily as the pressure mounted on Martin.

Hours after full-time, with Rangers once again losing ground on leaders Hearts and rivals Celtic, the club confirmed Martin’s dismissal.

Fans respond to manager sacking

Alan White: He should never have been appointed in the first place. His record as a manager has been poor wherever he has gone. He has taken Rangers backwards and it will be hard to turn things around this season.

Ryan: What took them so long? He was never the fans’ choice from the start, a serial underachiever.

Jamie: Far too late, and the damage is already done. I dread to think who will come next if Thelwell, either of them, and Patrick Stewart stay in their roles. The whole situation has been a shambles, one the new owners either failed to see or refused to address. When you look at the potential candidates, it hardly fills you with hope.

Graham: It was clear from the beginning that Martin’s appointment was a gamble. His track record offered little cause for optimism, and nothing during his brief spell at Ibrox suggested he had the ability to bring meaningful improvement.