Dessers on target, Balogun soldiers on as Rangers stun Livingston

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LIVINGSTON, SCOTLAND - NOVEMBER 12: Rangers' Cyriel Dessers celebrates after scoring to make it 1-0 during a cinch Premiership match between Livingston and Rangers at the Tony Macaroni Arena, on November 12, 2023, in Livingston, Scotland. (Photo by Mark Scates/SNS Group via Getty Images)

Rangers were impressive in a Scottish Premiership tie at the Tony Macaroni Arena at the weekend beating Livingston 2-0 to register their fifth successive win in the division.

Manager Philippe Clement handed starts to two Nigeria internationals in the shape of Cyriel Dessers and Leon Balogun, with the central defender going the distance and the striker in action for approximately one hour.

Dessers had the first real chance to break the deadlock in the 11th minute when he picked the pocket of Mickey Devlin and ran through on goal but his shot was blocked by the Livingston goalkeeper.

The Lights Blues thought they had taken the lead in the 16th minute but the goal was chalked off for an offside by Dessers.

After a missed penalty from James Tavernier, it didn’t take long for Rangers to take the lead as their Nigerian attacker converted after a lovely pass from Thomas Lawrence at minute 26.

There was a lengthy break in play just before the half-hour mark as Leon Balogun received treatment on the pitch but he shook off the injury and was able to complete the game.

In the second half, Rangers’ domination amounted to nothing until Tavernier doubled the advantage from the spot to atone for his penalty miss in the first half.

Desser has now registered nine goal involvements (6 goals, 3 assists) from his 22 appearances as a Rangers player.