Max Aarons' late winner was his first goal for Rangers

Aarons’ 94th-Minute Winner Earns Rangers First League Victory

Aarons Strikes in Stoppage Time as Rangers Finally Seal First Win – 2-1 at Livingston

Rangers secured their long-awaited first Scottish Premiership victory of the season in dramatic fashion, as substitute Max Aarons scored a 94th-minute winner to sink Livingston 2-1.

With the game poised for a frustrating draw and Russell Martin’s side on the brink of a six-match winless start, Aarons capitalized on a loose ball from a corner and rifled it past Jerome Prior — triggering wild celebrations among the traveling support.

First-Half Dominance, Missed Penalty & VAR Drama

James Tavernier opened the scoring with a close-range volley in the first half after Rangers dominated early proceedings.
The Ibrox side looked poised to extend their lead when Nico Raskin was pulled down in the box, prompting a VAR-reviewed penalty.
Tavernier stepped up but was denied by Prior’s outstretched legs.
Derek Cornelius had a second Rangers goal ruled out for a handball — and potential offside.

Livingston Fight Back and Equalize

Despite Rangers’ control, Livingston fought their way back:

In the 67th minute, Mo Sylla rose unmarked to head in Adam Montgomery’s cross, leveling the score.
The goal was the spark for a fiery finish — as boos from frustrated Rangers fans rained down with the match slipping away.

Aarons the Hero in Final Moments

Just when it looked like Martin’s side would drop points again, summer signing Max Aarons stepped up:

After a late Rangers corner, the ball fell kindly to Aarons who smashed it home.
It was his first goal for the club, and possibly a turning point in Rangers’ turbulent season start.

“The players are fighting so hard… and I loved the character and spirit in the second,” said head coach Russell Martin.

Post-Match Reactions

Russell Martin (Rangers Head Coach):

“I’m really proud of the players. The game should’ve been over in the first half. We lost control after the break, but we showed heart. The players are together — and we got what we deserved.”

David Martindale (Livingston Manager):

“We’re gutted. We had belief and were close. With two 20-year-old midfielders and a new team, this was one of our best performances against Rangers in years.”

What’s Next?

Rangers

Europa League: vs Sturm Graz – Thursday (20:00 BST)

Scottish Cup: vs Falkirk – Sunday (15:00 BST)

Livingston

Premiership: vs Dundee United – Saturday (15:00 BST)