James Tavernier delivered a ruthless response to last season’s shock exit as Rangers swept aside Queen’s Park to book their place in the Scottish Cup quarter-finals, with the captain netting a first-half hat-trick at Ibrox.
Almost a year on from Queen’s Park’s famous upset, when goalkeeper Calum Ferrie denied Tavernier from the spot, there was no repeat of the drama.
This time, the Rangers skipper was in total control, opening the scoring from close range before converting a penalty after Ferrie punched his corner into his own net.
Tavernier completed his treble before the break as Rangers ran riot from set-pieces.
Ryan Naderi marked his first start with a goal, rising unchallenged to head home from a corner, while Matty Shiels added to Queen’s Park’s misery by diverting another corner into his own net as Rangers went in at half-time with the tie firmly decided.
The one-way traffic continued after the interval.
Naderi claimed his second of the afternoon with another powerful header, Bojan Miovski made it seven with a neat finish on 80 minutes, and Tochi Chukwuani rounded off the scoring after latching onto a slick passing move.
Queen’s Park, who progressed to this stage by default after Stranraer were expelled for fielding an ineligible goalkeeper in the previous round, briefly thought they had pulled a goal back early on, but Aidan Connolly was clearly offside.
Tavernier’s first career hat-trick ensured a ninth consecutive home win for Rangers and took his remarkable Ibrox totals to 143 goals and 147 assists.
The ease of the victory was a far cry from the tension that engulfed the stadium 12 months ago.
Alongside his captain, 22-year-old Naderi offered plenty of encouragement.
The physically imposing forward caused constant problems in the air and could easily have been challenging Tavernier for the match ball after a dominant display.
Queen’s Park’s defensive lapses played a major part in the scoreline, with Ferrie struggling badly at set-pieces and Rangers capitalising ruthlessly.
After racking up 13 goals in their last two matches, confidence is surging at Ibrox, though sterner tests lie ahead against Motherwell and Premiership leaders Hearts.
Rangers manager Danny Rohl: "You never know what will happen in a cup game, you have to take it very seriously. Today, we did our job.
"It was very professional. We scored early, this is always helpful in such a game. It was about being hungry for more.
"When I took over, it was about finding a group to find wins and get balance. Now, win by win, we feel the confidence. Everyone is now focused on the next game because we have a big week ahead."
Queen's Park manager Sean Crighton: "We didn't turn up on the day and that's not something I've said too often about this group. We were miles off it.
"We got the basics wrong all over the pitch, set-plays. Obviously, it's very difficult being 5-0 down at half-time.
"This is going to hurt but the players need to use that hurt. We need to move on and not feel sorry for ourselves."
