Rangers power into Scottish League Cup semi-finals

October 28, 2009

Rangers powered into the Scottish League Cup semi-finals with a 3-1 victory over Dundee in the last eight on Tuesday.

Walter Smith’s side, who reached the League Cup final last season, took an early lead when Steven Whittaker headed home John Fleck’s cross in the 15th minute.

Dundee’s Leigh Griffiths equalised after 29 minutes with a superb free-kick to claim his 12th goal of the season.

But the First Division leaders were denied an upset as Gary MacKenzie nodded Whittaker’s cross into his own net in the 57th minute before Fleck’s 85th minute strike, set up by Nacho Novo’s run, completed the job for the Scottish champions.

St Mirren will join Rangers in the last four after turning on the style with a 3-0 victory over Motherwell.

Michael Higdon headed home in the 23rd minute and Jack Ross added a deflected second in the 61st minute.

Motherwell had come from two down to draw in Paisley on Saturday but their comeback attempts ended when Stephen Craigan netted an 80th minute own goal.

St Johnstone stormed into the semi-finals for the second time in four seasons with a 2-1 win against Dundee United.

Steven Anderson put Saints ahead in the 72nd minute when his effort deflected off Sean Dillon.

Darren Dods deflected a free-kick from Liam Craig past his own goalkeeper four minutes later to put Saints on course for victory but Prince Buaben’s first goal in Scottish football, in the 82nd minute, gave United a glimmer of hope.

GLASGOW (AFP)