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Rangers stormed into the Scottish Cup last 16 with a commanding 5-0 victory over Highland League side Fraserburgh at Ibrox, inspired by a hat-trick from Cyriel Dessers, Soccernet.football reports.
Goals from Clinton Nsiala and Ross McCausland capped off a dominant performance, though the visitors made a valiant effort to keep the game competitive early on.
From the outset, an upset seemed improbable given the disparity in quality between the two teams. However, Fraserburgh’s spirited first-half display earned them plaudits, as nearly 1,500 traveling fans watched their side frustrate Rangers for large stretches.
Dessers, who endured a mixed opening half, eventually found his rhythm in the 27th minute. A pinpoint James Tavernier corner picked out the Nigerian forward in space, and he rose highest to nod home, breaking the deadlock.
Fraserburgh nearly stunned Ibrox with a quick equalizer after debutant goalkeeper Mason Munn’s misjudged pass gifted Scott Barbour a chance. Barbour’s shot slipped through Munn’s legs but trickled agonizingly wide of the far post. Adding to the visitors’ misfortune, Barbour opted against squaring the ball to Connor Wood, who stood unmarked in a prime scoring position.
Despite their resolute defending and a superb save from goalkeeper Joe Barbour to deny Jefte, Fraserburgh’s resistance faltered in the second half. The part-time side, visibly fatigued, struggled to keep Rangers at bay.
Clinton Nsiala doubled the lead shortly after the restart, with his effort deflecting off Jamie Beagrie and wrongfooting the goalkeeper.
Dessers then added his second of the night, tapping in after another Tavernier assist. The striker turned provider for Ross McCausland, who fired in Rangers’ fourth, before completing his hat-trick with a clinical finish in the closing stages.
Despite being relegated to second-choice striker, Dessers has now registered an impressive 16 goals and five assists in 33 games across all competitions.
