Annan Athletic forward Tommy Goss admitted the scale of the occasion at Ibrox was one he “really enjoyed” despite Rangers commanding 5–0 Scottish Cup victory over the League 2 side on Friday night.
Danny Rohl’s much-changed Rangers team eased into the fifth round with a composed display, as nine alterations from the side that beat Aberdeen at Pittodrie paid dividends.
Bojan Miovski marked his return to the starting line-up with a hat-trick, while Kieran Dowell, Joe Rothwell and academy graduate Zebedee Lawson also played key roles on a comfortable evening for the Light Blues.
For Goss, who had just been recalled from a loan spell at East Fife, the night represented a memorable reintroduction to Annan and a first taste of competitive football at Ibrox.
“It was so great to come back to,” he said.
“It was a great night for the club and all the fans. I thought, even though the score was a bit big, we played amazing, so I had a good time.”
Rangers wasted little time asserting their authority after weathering Annan’s bright opening spell. Miovski opened the scoring with the hosts first meaningful attack, combining with Danilo and Dowell before cutting inside and firing past Charlie Albinson.
The North Macedonian doubled his tally before the break with a close-range finish from Findlay Curtis pinpoint delivery.
Despite the growing deficit, Goss felt Annan could take pride in the manner of their performance – particularly the backing they received from a record away support.
“It was massive for us,” he said.
“Even at the start of the game, just hearing them all singing and cheering us on, it was massive. I think there was over a thousand, so it was really good.”
Dowell added Rangers third shortly after the interval with a looping header, and Rohl used the remainder of the match to hand minutes to a mix of experience and youth.
Rabbi Matondo, Lawson, Tochi Chukwuani, Thelo Aasgaard and Mikey Moore were all introduced, underlining the depth available to the Ibrox side.
Miovski completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot after Matondo was fouled, before Aasgaard rounded off the scoring with a stunning late free-kick that left Albinson with no chance.
Facing a Rangers side packed with internationals and emerging prospects, Goss relished the challenge of testing himself against elite opposition.
“It was a great experience,” he said.
“I thought I'd done well in that game. I got myself about and I really enjoyed it.”
The striker was also keen to dismiss any suggestion that his earlier loan move had been linked to issues with Annan’s management, stressing his strong relationship with player/manager Wullie Gibson.
“No, nothing to do with the management,” he explained.
“Me and the manager have always had a good relationship, and I've kept in regular contact with him throughout my loan.
“It was just something between myself and the club, but it was over now and we're back.”
While Rangers quality told – particularly from set pieces and in the final third – Goss believes the performance can serve as a springboard for Annan’s League Two campaign.
“Despite the scoreline, the boys can still take a good bit of confidence with the way you started the game, the way you played, the times against a really good team,” he said.
“The occasion didn't get to them one bit, so I'm really proud of the lot of them.”
He revealed Gibson echoed that message in the dressing room.
“He said we need to kick on for that. Even though the scoreline was what it was, he said we need to raise our game now and perform to that level.”
With Rangers now turning their attention to a UEFA Europa League clash with Ludogorets and a Scottish Premiership meeting with Dundee, the focus for Annan shifts back to domestic matters – and Goss believes the play-offs remain the target.
“Play-offs is the main aim now,” he said.
“We’ve got a really good group, more players in, and a big bench.
“We just need to push on.”
For Rangers, it was another professional cup performance. For Annan, it was a harsh lesson in elite-level football – but one Goss hopes will inspire improvement rather than discourage it.