Wednesday 21 September 2016 08:44, UK
Martyn Waghorn scored a hat-trick as Rangers cruised into the semi-finals of the Betfred Cup with a 5-0 win over Queen of the South on Tuesday night.
The Scottish Championship leaders arrived at Ibrox in fine fettle, having won five of their six league games so far this season, but they headed back to Dumfries on the wrong end of a hiding.
Rangers were slow to get into their stride, dominating possession but failing to make many clear chances until they grabbed the lead on 33 minutes with a controlled finish from Jason Holt after fine approach play by Niko Kranjcar.
Lee Hodson went close to making it 2-0 but the Doonhamers stayed in touch until two goals in two key minutes just after the hour.
Andy Halliday doubled Rangers lead on 62 from a Barrie McKay cross and it was McKay, who came on for Holt at half-time, who provided the third as well with Waghorn opening his tally with a curling effort.
Waghorn was denied a second by an offside flag but he scored his second with 19 minutes remaining with a lovely finish from Michael O'Halloran's cross.
And he completed his hat-trick seven minutes from time after more good work from Kranjcar set him up for a shot past a helpless Lee Robinson.
Morton are also through to the semi-finals thanks to a 2-1 win over Dundee United at Cappielow Park.
Jai Quitongo (24) and Thomas O'Ware (31) gave them a comfortable half-time lead and they were able to hold on for victory after Nick van der Velden pulled a goal back for United 35 minutes from time.
The other quarter-finals see Celtic host Alloa on Wednesday night before Aberdeen take on St Johnstone on Thursday.
