Rangers 3-0 Celtic: Rangers strike first Old Firm blow of the season after dominant derby display | OneFootball

Rangers booked their place in the Premier Sports Cup semi-finals with a dominant 3-0 victory over rivals Celtic, thanks to Dan Neil’s brace either side of Kevin Kelsy’s goal.

The home side started brightly and could have led early in the first half before finding the breakthrough through captain Dan Neil, who fired home from the edge of the box to score his first goal in Rangers colours.

They doubled their lead in the second half as new signing Kevin Kelsy fired a controlled volley past Sam Johnstone to score his first goal for the club before Neil scored again to secure Rangers’ spot in the Premier Sports Cup semi-finals.

As it happened

The first chance of the game fell to the hosts and new striker Kevin Kelsy. Celtic goalkeeper Sam Johnstone coughed up possession in his own box with the ball landing at the Venezuelan striker’s feet, but he failed to make the most of the opportunity and was unable to hit the target.

Again the Celtic shot-stopper found himself in trouble as he misjudged the cross. His failed punch fell straight to Kim Min-Su, who fired an effort which looked destined for the net before an incredible clearance on the line by Liam Scales, who read the danger and bailed out his goalkeeper.

It wasn’t long before the hosts made one of their chances count. Ryan Naderi did well to win a long ball before finding Kelsy, who played the ball inside to Dan Neil at the edge of the box, and the midfielder brilliantly fired home his first Rangers goal, sending the Ibrox crowd into raptures.

Rangers stayed on top for the remainder of the first half, and continued in the same vein in the opening periods of the second, with Min-Su bringing Johnstone back into action, forcing the Celtic keeper to palm away his powerful long-range effort.

Their positive start to the second half was rewarded with a second goal just before the hour mark. James Penrice swung a ball into the box from the left, which was flicked clear by Liam Scales but only as far as Kelsy, who controlled a left-footed volley low and past Johnstone. A VAR check for offside delayed the celebrations, but the goal was given, as Rangers led by two goals to nil.

Moments later, they thought they had a third, but Nico Raskin was adjudged to be in an offside position from the set-piece and the goal did not stand.

But with 75 minutes on the clock, the Gers did get their third, as captain Neil found the top corner from the edge of the box after picking up a loose clearance.

This capped off a brilliant derby day performance from Derek McInnes’ side, one where they outclassed their bitter rivals, and deservedly secured a spot in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final draw.