A spectacular second-half equaliser from Henry Cartwright earned Falkirk a deserved draw against Rangers, piling further pressure on manager Russell Martin, whose side have now been held to five draws in their opening seven Scottish Premiership matches.
For much of the contest, it appeared that Rangers would hold on to the narrow lead given to them by Bojan Miovski’sfirst league goal for the club, but Cartwright’s thunderous effort left Jack Butland rooted as it rocketed into the net.
The home fans roared their approval, and Falkirk nearly completed the turnaround late on, with Brian Graham denied by a fine Butland save as the hosts surged forward in search of all three points.
Falkirk had impressed throughout with their energy, organisation, and attacking intent.
They dominated large spells of the first half but failed to make it count, before Rangers punished them with one of their few moments of genuine quality — Derek Cornelius delivering a pinpoint cross that Miovski converted from close range just before the break.
Earlier, Rangers thought they had taken the lead when Mikey Moore’s effort was saved by Scott Bain, with Djeidi Gassama tapping in the rebound, only for the flag to go up for offside.
Between that disallowed goal and Miovski’s strike, Falkirk’s movement caused constant problems for the visitors.
Butland was called into action to deny Ross MacIver, before breathing a sigh of relief when Kyrell Wilson and Ethan Williams both squandered good opportunities.
The second half became scrappier but remained fiercely contested.
Falkirk pressed for an equaliser, while Rangers tried to hang on. MacIver went close again, heading narrowly wide from substitute Alfredo Agyeman’s cross — before Cartwright’s spectacular long-range drive brought the hosts level.
As the final whistle blew, frustration boiled over among the travelling Rangers fans, while Falkirk supporters taunted Martin with chants of “You’re getting sacked in the morning.”
The draw leaves Rangers further adrift of league leaders Hearts and bitter rivals Celtic, adding to the uncertainty surrounding Martin’s future.
For Rangers and Russell Martin, results are all that matter — and once again, they failed to deliver.
Despite taking the lead, their performance lacked control and conviction.
Falkirk’s persistence and belief ultimately paid off, and few could argue they didn’t deserve a point — if not more.
The slight optimism generated by recent wins over Hibernian in the League Cup and Livingston in the league has quickly evaporated.
With just one league victory in seven, Martin’s position will come under serious scrutiny during the international break.
Meanwhile, John McGlynn’s Falkirk can take great pride in their display.
Their dynamic, attacking football and tireless work rate have already made them one of the league’s most entertaining sides.
If they can produce more moments of brilliance like Cartwright’s equaliser, they look well-equipped to thrive in their return to the top flight.
