Rangers defeated Annan Athletic 5‑0 on 16 January 2026, with Bojan Miovski scoring a first‑half hat‑trick that propelled the team into the Scottish Cup fifth round. The victory showcased Rangers’ attacking depth, highlighted a dominant midfield performance, and reinforced Danny Rohl’s tactical plans ahead of upcoming league and cup challenges.
Match Overview
The game kicked off at 19:45 UTC at Ibrox. Rangers dominated from the start, creating numerous chances and controlling possession. Annan Athletic, a Scottish League Two side, struggled to contain the high‑tempo attack.
Scoring Summary
- 12’ – Miovski: Low drive into the bottom corner after a pass from James Keller.
- 18’ – Miovski: Finishing a quick one‑two with Keller to double the lead.
- 31’ – Miovski: Poacher’s finish from a cross by Andreas Skov Olsen, completing his hat‑trick.
- 58’ – James Keller: Clinical close‑range strike to make it 4‑0.
- 81’ – Ryan Rogers: Slotted a loose ball inside the box for the final goal.
Miovski’s Hat‑Trick Details
Miovski’s three goals highlighted his movement, finishing, and ability to exploit space. The first goal demonstrated his composure under pressure, the second showcased quick inter‑play with Keller, and the third emphasized his poaching instincts from a low cross.
Key Players and Statistics
- Possession: Rangers 62% – Annan 38%
- Shots: Rangers 18 (12 on target) – Annan 5 (2 on target)
- Pass Completion: Rangers 87% – Annan 71%
- Goalkeeper: Allan McGregor kept a clean sheet, his sixth of the season.
- Debut Impact: Danish winger Andreas Skov Olsen provided the assist for the third goal, signaling his potential partnership with Miovski.
Implications for Rangers
The emphatic win not only guarantees progression to the fifth round but also offers Rohl confidence to rotate his squad without sacrificing quality. The performance suggests a strong platform for the upcoming Scottish Premiership fixtures and a potential clash with Celtic later in the cup.
Strategic Benefits
- Demonstrated depth in attack with three scoring contributors.
- Reinforced defensive solidity, highlighted by a clean sheet.
- Validated recent signings, particularly Miovski’s four‑year deal and Olsen’s debut impact.
Future Outlook
Rangers now focus on the next cup round and a congested schedule that includes European qualifiers. Maintaining the momentum shown against Annan could be pivotal in pursuing a deep cup run and challenging for the Scottish Premiership title.
