Tavernier hits hat-trick as hosts avoid repeat upset
Celtic leave it late to deny Dundee shock victory
James Tavernier scored a first-half hat-trick as rampant Rangers thrashed Queen’s Park 8-0, avenging last season’s Scottish Cup humiliation in style.
Queen’s Park famously beat their illustrious neighbours 1-0 at Ibrox in last year’s fifth-round tie, but they suffered badly on their return against a Rangers side that has changed dramatically in the last 12 months. The Championship side only got through after Stranraer were expelled for fielding an ineligible player in the previous round.
Deadline-day signing Ryan Naderi scored his first Rangers goal with a header in the eighth minute, before Tavernier fired in a second 10 minutes later. The captain then added a third from a corner when visiting keeper Calum Ferrie, who saved Tavernier’s late penalty in last year’s shock win, punched the ball into his own net.
