Miovski Hat-Trick Powers Rangers Past Annan In Cup Rout

Under the bright Friday night lights at Ibrox Stadium, Rangers delivered a statement performance in the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup fourth round, dispatching Annan Athletic 5-0 to secure their place in the competition’s fifth round. The home crowd was treated to a dominant display, highlighted by Bojan Miovski’s clinical hat-trick, a set-piece masterclass from Kieran Dowell, and a jaw-dropping free-kick by Thelo Aasgaard.

It’s not every day that a cup tie feels this electric, but with Rangers eager to avoid any echoes of last season’s early exit, anticipation was sky-high. The pre-match buzz was further fueled by the unveiling of new Danish signing Andreas Skov Olsen, who paraded before the Ibrox faithful, sparking excitement about the club’s future ambitions. The 40-times capped Denmark international, fresh from a loan move from Wolfsburg, received a rapturous welcome and is already eyeing silverware with his new teammates.

Manager Danny Rohl, steering Rangers through a transformative period, opted for nine changes to his starting XI, giving several fringe and academy players a chance to shine. Facing Annan Athletic, managed by player-boss Wullie Gibson—a man with a reputation for cup upsets—there was little room for complacency. After all, Annan had previously stunned Scottish football with a memorable win at Ibrox, and Gibson himself had knocked Rangers out of the Challenge Cup while at Queen of the South.

Any nerves were quickly settled as Miovski, the North Macedonian striker, pounced in the 12th minute. Deceiving the keeper with a smart finish, he gave Rangers the early breakthrough they craved. The Ibrox crowd erupted, their cheers almost matching the earlier applause for Skov Olsen’s introduction. Miovski wasn’t done yet—on the half-hour mark, he nodded in a pinpoint cross from Findlay Curtis, doubling the lead and putting Rangers firmly in control.

"For a centre-forward, it’s a good opportunity to score. With Youssef and [Miovski], we have players scoring more and more. We need more goals, this is what I like to see," said Rohl in his post-match interview with Premier Sports, clearly delighted with his striker’s sharpness and the team’s attacking intent.

As the first half wound down, Annan showed flashes of quality. Scott Hooper, a lifelong Rangers fan, nearly grabbed a consolation with a strike that whistled just wide of Liam Kelly’s post. Gibson’s men played with heart, but the gulf in class was evident as Rangers continued to press.

After the interval, it was Kieran Dowell’s turn to make his mark. Just two minutes into the second half, he rose to meet a clever set-piece delivery from Joe Rothwell, looping a header over Annan keeper Charlie Albinson to make it 3-0. Dowell, one of the evening’s standout performers, showed the value of squad depth—something Rohl has been keen to emphasize. "It was important for me to see where they are, to give them some minutes. We can’t come through the season with only 11 players. They showed they are ready and we need competition in the squad," Rohl explained, highlighting the importance of rotation and readiness.

The fourth goal came from the penalty spot after Rabbi Matondo was bundled over in the box by Annan’s Ryan Muir. It was a clear-cut decision from referee Duncan Nicolson, who otherwise had little controversy to deal with on a straightforward night. Miovski stepped up and coolly converted, sending Albinson the wrong way to complete his first career hat-trick. The crowd’s appreciation was palpable—Miovski had waited patiently for his chance to start, and he seized it with both hands.

With the outcome beyond doubt, Rangers continued to push forward. The final flourish belonged to Thelo Aasgaard, who produced a moment of pure magic in the 86th minute. Lining up a free-kick from all of 30 yards, the Norwegian midfielder struck a sensational shot that curled over the wall and into the top corner, leaving Albinson rooted to the spot. The goal drew gasps and applause, a fitting exclamation point on a comprehensive team performance.

"A clean sheet and five goals is always nice. In general, it was a good week for us. Some good results, good signings. All in, it went in the right direction. I’m happy to see some players on the pitch again, and academy players. I’m proud of our development. The fans are back, six wins in a row. It’s fantastic. But we cannot rest, we must be on the front foot," Rohl reflected, urging his team to maintain their momentum as the season intensifies.

For Annan Athletic, the evening might have ended in defeat, but there were positives to take. Gibson’s side played attractive football at times and never let their heads drop, even as the goals piled up. Hooper’s near-miss and their willingness to play out from the back earned them respect from the Ibrox crowd. Still, the step up in quality was clear, and Rangers’ relentless pressing and creativity proved too much to handle.

Findlay Curtis, who assisted two goals and contributed energetically throughout, was another bright spot for the hosts. His versatility was on display as he shifted positions following substitutions, demonstrating the depth and adaptability Rohl is fostering within his squad. With new signings bedding in and academy prospects stepping up, the mood around Ibrox is one of cautious optimism.

As the final whistle sounded, Rangers fans could look back on a job well done. The team’s sixth consecutive win, a clean sheet, and a place in the next round—all signs that Rohl’s methods are taking hold. The focus now shifts to the fifth round draw, with supporters already dreaming of another deep cup run. And with the likes of Miovski, Dowell, and Aasgaard firing on all cylinders, who could blame them for feeling optimistic?

For now, Rangers can savor a night when everything clicked. The goals flowed, the new faces impressed, and the supporters left Ibrox with plenty to cheer about. The Scottish Cup journey continues, and on this evidence, Rangers look well-equipped to chase silverware as the business end of the season approaches.