Marley Watkins’ late strike gave Kilmarnock a shock 1-0 William Hill Premiership win over rudderless Rangers at the BBSP Stadium, Rugby Park.
League leaders Celtic and Aberdeen drew 2-2 at Parkhead on Saturday to offer the chasing Light Blues some encouragement in the title race, but on their return from the international break Philippe Clement’s side failed miserably in their bid to take advantage.
Despite having plenty of possession, there was a disjointed look to Rangers, whose fans held up protest banners in the second half, one of which called for the “mismanagement” of the club to stop.
The Light Blues improved little after the break and Killie struck in the 87th minute when Watkins broke through to beat goalkeeper Jack Butland and earn his side a first home win of the season, with Rangers dropping six points behind Celtic and Aberdeen.
Rangers have to recover from another blow to start preparing for the Europa League game against Romanian side FCSB at Ibrox on Thursday night, but even this early their title hopes look forlorn and their supporters vented their frustration at the end.
There were fears that Storm Ashley could have an effect on the noon kick-off in Ayrshire, but the sun was out, albeit the artificial surface was soaked.
Killie, whose 3-2 win over Dundee last time out was their first domestic victory of the season, had good early chances.
Gers left-back Jefte’s header back to Butland in the fourth minute was short and allowed captain Kyle Vassell to get in front of Robin Propper to toe poke the ball back to Watkins, whose shot took a touch off the recovering keeper before it was blocked by defender John Souttar.
Then Killie wide man Matty Kennedy somehow missed a cross from left-back Corrie Ndaba right in front of the Rangers goal.
The visitors were struggling to find any rhythm, but in the 18th minute former Rangers keeper Robby McCrorie made a good save from Vaclav Cerny’s long-range drive, a rare attempt on goal.
When Gers skipper James Tavernier was booked for a foul on Brad Lyons, Killie took a short free-kick and defender Robbie Deas headed in from Kennedy’s cross, only to see the offside flag go up, the decision confirmed by VAR.
Vassell then failed to direct a whipped Kennedy cross on target.
The visitors started the second half with the sight of their fans holding up banners reading “the mismanagement of Rangers must stop and stop now”.
On the pitch, in the 52nd minute Dessers’ drive from 30 yards was tipped round a post by McCrorie for a corner, from which the Gers striker hit the bar before Propper put the loose ball behind.
Leon Balogun and Nico Raskins replaced Propper and Barron and Rangers began pressing with more purpose, McCrorie making saves from Tavernier and Souttar, although in the 70th minute on a Killie break Kennedy tested Butland with a decent drive.
There seemed to be cheers from the Rangers fans when Dessers was replaced moments later by Hamza Igamane, while Neraysho Kasanwirjo and Kieran Dowell came on for Cerny and Tom Lawrence, with Tavernier moving to a more advanced role.
Killie had brought on Gary Mackay-Steven and Bruce Anderson for Vassell and Danny Armstrong and the game was in the balance until Watkins pounced, running on to a pass from substitute Watson and brushing past Souttar to send a shot bouncing past Butland.
Igamane missed the far post with an effort in the third of six added minutes, but ultimately Rangers missed the chance to put pressure on the league leaders.
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. EPL Week 22 Ronaldo on this day Chelsea eyeing possible Garnacho move IT'S ALWAYS HIM! Which club should El Capitano - @sergioramos JOIN? It was special 2'—Benfica 1-0 Barcelona 13'—Benfica 1-1 Barcelona 22'—Benfica 2-1 Barcelona 30'—Benfica 3-1 Barcelona 64'—Benfica 3-2 Barcelona 68'—Benfica 4-2 Barcelona 78'—Benfica...
Manchester United have been linked with a surprise move for Jack Grealish.Jack Grealish has been linked with a surprise move to Manchester UnitedManchester United are reportedly weighing up a surprise move for Jack Grealish, who faces an uncertain future at Manchester City.The former Aston Villa forward has struggled for game time over the last few months and has only scored one goal for City in h...
KYLE WALKER is to join AC Milan after agreeing a 12-month loan deal, SunSport can reveal.The Manchester City skipper, 34, is expected in Italy in the coming days before being unveiled to the Rossoneri.Kyle Walker has agreed a move to AC MilanHe was poised to join their fierce city rivals, Inter, after telling City of his desire to quit the Etihad but talks broke down over his wages.AC Milan have n...
Lecce's president revealed he met with Manchester United representatives regarding Patrick Dorgu but warned to keep their hands off the player.Man Utd officials met with Lecce for Dorgu Serie A side reportedly want €40m Club president insists player is not for saleWHAT HAPPENED?United are actively exploring options to strengthen their left wing-back position, a role head coach Ruben Amorim s...
Barcelona eye Musiala as summer targetBarcelona have reportedly identified Bayern Munich midfielder Jamal Musiala as a priority for their upcoming transfer plans, according to Sport. Musiala’s current deal with Bayern Munich runs until 2026, but reports suggest that the Bundesliga champions are already in negotiations for a contract extension. Whether Barcelona can tempt him away from the Al...
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Chelsea 's back !!Chelsea 3-1 Wolves Arsenal watching Premier League teams copy their corner kick style. Respect for Antony THAT FINAL WAS SPECIAL! STREETS WON'T FORGET! Lamine Yamal is so young that he will be just 23 years old at the 2030 FIFA World Cup!Most of us will retire from our professions before Lamine Yamal retires from football. The GOAT Vs Sir Bobb...
Manchester United are still waiting for the sale which could act as the trigger point for a frenzy of January transfer activity at Old Trafford. And they could soon get it, with Antony, Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho among those heavily linked elsewhere.Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has admitted his side will take action in the market if the right opportunity presents itself, while Tottenham m...
Ferran Torres has pledged his commitment to Barcelona.The attacker is being linked with AC Milan this week.But ahead of their Champions League clash with Benfica, Torres said: "I could say that I have learned a lot, with ups and downs. I have had some great moments and some not so great ones."It's been a very nice time and I have a lot of confidence in the club. The future? It will be here, playin...
Fabrizio Romano has provided CaughtOffside with an exclusive video update on the Alejandro Garnacho to Chelsea story that has emerged today.In a new post for the Daily Briefing, Romano confirmed the stories about Chelsea’s interest in the Manchester United winger, whilst also reporting on Napoli being keen.Although Garnacho has mostly been an important player for Man Utd in the last couple o...
Manchester City have completed the signing of Lens defender Abdukodir Khusanov.City have agreed a deal worth €40 million ($41.6m) plus add-ons for the 20-year-old, who has signed a four-and-a-half year deal at the Etihad Stadium.Khusanov, who has been handed the No. 45 shirt, is set to become the first Uzbeki to play in the Premier League."I'm absolutely delighted to be joining Manchester Ci...
- 1 Benjamin Sesko has already said yes to Arsenal
- 2 Joao Felix eyed by ‘very interested club’
- 3 Liverpool flop and ex-Page 3 girl were 'freaked out'
- 4 Shaun Murphy copies Lionel Messi as he sleeps with Masters trophy
- 5 Teen arrested after shock abuse against Kai Havertz's wife Sophia
- 6 Daily Laugh - Chelsea 's back !!
- 7 Man Utd 'consider Jack Grealish transfer'
- 8 Mourinho makes drastic career change and launches 'The Special One' wine
- 9 Ex-Bundesliga star's WAG has intimate tattoo of footballer husband
- 10 City, Frankfurt reach deal for Marmoush