Philippe Clement buys more time as Rangers fight back to beat Motherwell and set up Celtic cup final

Rangers triumphed over Motherwell in a comeback victory to reach the Premier Sports Cup final setting up an Old Firm December showdown.

After Celtic won with ease against Aberdeen yesterday at Hampden, both sides knew who they'd be facing in the final should they triumph. Stuart Kettlewell's side took the lead in the first half through a former Rangers player before second-half strikes from Cyriel Dessers and Nedim Barjami gave the current cup holders a chance to retain their title next month in Mount Florida.

The game took a while to get going before Motherwell took the lead. Andy Halliday ghosted in at the back post as the ex-Ibrox star put the Steelmen ahead prior to the interval, with a statuesque Rangers first half met with a chorus of boos from their fans when the whistle came.

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They picked it up and showed signs of greater attacking impetus in the second 45 and it wasn't long until Connor Barron's well-weighted cut-back expertly picked out Cyriel Dessers who swept his side level with a clinical finish — despite squandering a golden chance in the first half that some fans celebrated thinking it was in.

The Gers continued to impose themselves in the second half and seemed the most likely to score the next goal. Motherwell stood resolute though with Aston Oxbourough making two sharp saves to deny Vaclav Cerny.

Cerny then turned provider for their winning goal. As Rangers broke up the pitch at speed, catching the opposition out of shape, Cerny's left-footed through ball cut across Kettlewell's side and found Nedim Bajrami.

Bajrami drove further into the area and struck goalward late on. His close-range strike caught the underside of Kofi Balmer's leg and looped over the helpless keeper. The crestfallen Steelmen were unable to find a late equaliser as their League Cup journey came to an end.