Scotland round-up: Rangers retain League Cup
Sunday, March 16, 2003
Article summary
Rangers FC claimed the Scottish League Cup with a 2-1 win against rivals Celtic FC.
Article body
Rangers FC claimed the first domestic trophy of the season as they edged to a 2-1 win against 'Old Firm' rivals Celtic FC to claim the Scottish League Cup at Hampden Park.
First-half goals
Premier League leaders Rangers, who won both the League Cup and Scottish Cup last season, set themselves up for another victory when former Argentinian international Claudio Caniggia put them ahead on 23 minutes. Champions Celtic, who beat Rangers 1-0 in a league match last week, fell further behind this afternoon when Peter Løvenkrands scored a second eleven minutes later.
Treble chance
Henrik Larsson pulled one back on 57 minutes and Celtic pushed forward for an equaliser, but their last chance of an equaliser disappeared as John Hartson missed an added-time penalty. Rangers now stay on course for a possible domestic treble -with both today's finalists in the last eight of the Scottish Cup - while Celtic now focus on the away leg of their UEFA Cup tie against Liverpool FC on Thursday.
KIlmarnock held
In the Premier League, Kilmarnock FC missed the chance to move within a point of third-placed Heart of Midlothian FC as they were held 1-1 by Dunfermline Athletic FC. Fifth-placed Dunfermline went ahead in the 59th minute through Greg Shields's own goal, but his blushes were spared by Kris Boyd's 81st-minute headed equaliser.
Six-goal thriller
Dundee FC lost a two-goal lead for the second week running to draw 3-3 at Aberdeen FC. Steve Lovell's 16th-minute penalty and Fabian Caballero's angled drive had put Dundee two-up at the break, but Paul Sheerin's double levelled the scores and Phil McGuire headed Aberdeen ahead before Lee Wilkie's equaliser nine minutes from time.
Partick defeated
Hibernian FC moved back level on points with Dundee in the race for a top-six place as they beat Partick Thistle FC 1-0 for their first win of 2003. Tam McManus scored on 15 minutes to keep Partick, who lost their fourth straight home game, in tenth.
Livingston delight
However, Partick remain three points ahead of second-bottom Dundee United FC, who lost 1-0 at home to fellow strugglers Livingston FC. Marvin Andrews's solo goal three minutes from time keeps United within a point of bottom side Motherwell FC, who have two games in hand.
