Rangers 1-2 Newcastle: Ashby header sees Toon home

Press Association
Rangers were beaten by Newcastle in Allan McGregor’s testimonial (Andrew Milligan/PA)
Rangers were beaten by Newcastle in Allan McGregor’s testimonial (Andrew Milligan/PA)

Harrison Ashby’s 87th-minute header gave Newcastle a 2-1 win over Rangers in Allan McGregor’s testimonial match at a packed Ibrox.

McGregor, 41, who departed the Gers at the end of last season after two spells at the club, started in goal alongside new signings Kieran Dowell, Sam Lammers and Abdallah Sima.

Eddie Howe’s side, with new signing Sandro Tonali, in their line-up, took the lead in the 16th minute when Elliot Anderson slipped in Miguel Almiron, who steered the ball low past McGregor.

The former Scotland goalkeeper made way for debutant Jack Butland after 38 minutes after Rangers had created and missed a couple of chances.

Newcastle, the more assured in the first 45 minutes, made a host of changes for the start of the second half and they continued to control the game as both sides threw more replacements on.

In the 64th minute, Dutch attacker Lammers, signed from Italian side Atalanta, intercepted a slack pass from keeper Karl Darlow to Bruno Guimaraes and netted an unexpected leveller.

Rangers finished the game strongly but, with three minutes remaining, two more Newcastle substitutes made an impact as Scotland under-21 defender Ashby leapt to head a cross from Alex Isak over Butland for the winner.

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RangersNewcastle UnitedPremier LeagueScottish Premiership