Russell Martin lives to fight another day as Rangers head coach, but the protests at Ibrox made it clear Rangers fans are nowhere near convinced despite their side’s 2-0 Premier Sports Cup quarter-final victory over Hibernian.
The Union Bears set the tone before a ball was kicked, handing out ghostbuster-style posters of Martin and CEO Patrick Stewart.
Chants of “Martin, Martin, GTF” echoed from the stands inside the opening minute, and tennis balls were launched onto the pitch with a banner screaming: “Delaying the inevitable. Martin must go.”
It looked like it could be another dark, dire day at Ibrox when Martin Boyle raced through away from Derek Cornelius to finish past Jack Butland, but the Australian forwards goal was correctly ruled out for a handball in the build-up, much to the relief of Martin and the Rangers support.
On the park, the players at least did their part. Nicolas Raskin, recalled after disagreement with Martin and two-match long exile from the matchday squad, was the spark. The Belgian looked like a man possessed, driving forward, snapping into tackles and demanding the ball.
On 42 minutes he got his reward, darting to the near post to glance home James Tavernier’s corner, a move we have seen numerous times this calendar year.
It was the moment the tie turned. Just before half-time, Rangers doubled their lead as Bojan Miovski pounced for his first goal in blue, reacting quickest after Mikey Moore’s shot was deflected away from Hibs stand in keeper David Sallinger.
Two goals in three minutes. Job done with minimal fuss for a change.
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Hibs had their chances, Boyle in particular tormenting the back line, but when he headed wide from six yards, their big moment was gone. From there, it was Rangers in control.
The second half was more about the noise off the park than on it.
A fresh round of chants targeted CEO Stewart from the Broomloan. On the pitch, Djeidi Gassama rattled the bar, Miovski had one cleared off the line, and late subs Yousef Chermiti and Oliver Antman could have each added a third.
In truth, the game fizzled out. Rangers didn’t need to be brilliant, they just needed to be professional. Raskin was named man of the match and rightly so. His goal, his bite, his attitude, everything the team has been missing.
Jayden Meghoma and Aasgaard impressed in flashes, Gassama brought energy, and Miovski got up and running.
So, Rangers are through to Hampden. But let’s be clear, this does not silence the critics. It simply prevents Ibrox from going nuclear. The fans still want Martin gone, and nothing about this routine win changes that.
Thursday night's UEFA Europa League clash at Ibrox against Belgian side Genk will be the real test. For now, the fuse has been lit, and only a sustained run of winning results will stop the explosion from happening.