Rangers 1-1 Livingston
The Lions were denied a historic victory at Ibrox with only a late goal against a 10-man Livi salvaging a point for Rangers.
It was a perfect start for Livingston as Joel Nouble opened the scoring with just four minutes on the clock.
However, with just 12 minutes remaining the Lions had their first taste of VAR in Scotland as centre back Morgan Boyes saw red for a lunge on Alfredo Morelos.
Rangers had huffed and puffed for much of the game and it was beginning to look like time would run out. They finally found an opening with 90 minutes on the clock, as John Lundstram did well to dispatch on the volley.
Cristian Montano has enjoyed a productive start to the 2022/23 season and it was his deflected ball into the box that found Nouble waiting. Always creative with his feet, this time it was the simplest of turns from Nouble to set himself up for a nice finish into the bottom right hand corner.
Livingston would go close again 15 minutes later. Jack Fitzwater’s snap volley from six yards flew tantalisingly wide as the Lions looked to double their advantage.
It was a typically steadfast performance from the Lions for the remainder of the game with Rangers struggling to create chances against the well-drilled back line. And it looked like the Lions were going to take a shock three points.
However, it wasn’t to be.
First, Boyes was penalised for a rash lunge on Morelos. Initially the challenge was punished with a booking but a subsequent VAR check then upgraded it to a straight red.
And then as the game ticked over into stoppage time, Rangers got their equaliser. The Lions defended the initial corner well, but Ryan Kent’s lofted ball from deep back to the penalty spot found the on rushing Lundstram who left Shamal George little chance as he fired home.
With seven minutes of stoppage time, Rangers would go close again. Antonio Colak’s header was well saved by George, before Lundstram headed over with the last action of the game.
Despite a first point at Ibrox since 2015, it would be difficult not to feel a tinge of disappointment having led for so long.
Match Report: Callum McCormack
Rangers: McGregor, Tavernier, King (Sands ▊ 46), Davies, Barisic ▊ (Roofe 80), Lundstram, Davis (Matondo 46 (Sakala 79)), Tillman ▊, Arfield (Morelos 65), Kent, Colak
Subs not used: McLaughlin, Wright, NcCann, Fashion
Goals: Lundstram (90)
Livingston: George, Devlin ©, Obileye, Fitzwater, Montaño (Longridge 44), Holt, Kelly (Guthrie 74), Shinnie (Boyes ▊ 74), Sn.Kelly ▊ (Penrice 63), Pittman, Nouble
Subs not used: Hamilton, Cancar, Bahamboula, Goncalves, Anderson
Goals: Nouble (4)
Referee: David Munro
HT: 1-0
Att: 48,855