THIS was a competitive game in name, but not really in nature. There will be few more one-sided encounters in Scottish football this term but it was once again a case of mission accomplished for Rangers.

Goals from Andy Halliday, Josh Windass and Joe Dodoo earned them another three points in the Betfred Cup as they maintained their place at the top of Group F. It is the Premiership that is at the forefront of their minds for now, though.

Of the three games Mark Warburton’s side have played since they returned from their training camp in South Carolina, this was the most pre-season friendly like. It will be beneficial, but only in terms of fitness and sharpness.

Warburton won’t have learned a great deal about his players after a straightforward win over their Lowland League hosts, but a clean sheet and three goals, as well as more much-needed match minutes, ensured it was still a productive night, if not an overly trying or testing one.

It was another chance for the Gers boss to rotate his squad and he made three changes from the side that beat Annan on Tuesday evening, Danny Wilson, Harry Forrester and Kenny Miller replacing Rob Kiernan, Niko Kranjcar and Martyn Waghorn respectively.

There was a second half appearance for the Croatian as he took over from the impressive Windass, while Dodoo was handed his debut following his move from Leicester City and Jordan Thompson was given his first outing of the campaign.

There will be another handful of alterations against Stranraer on Monday evening before the visit of Burnley next weekend gives Warburton a chance to field what he feels is his strongest line-up ahead of the Premiership opener against Hamilton Accies.

It took less than two minutes for Rangers to carve out their first chance of the game – Windass firing just wide of the target from the edge of the area – and there were plenty more to follow as the visitors dominated proceedings from start to finish. It was a night where Warburton’s side had to be patient and wait for their rewards, though.

After Harry Forrester saw his strike flash across goal, Rangers had the ball in the net through Windass, but his effort after a Halliday pass was ruled out for offside.

Within minutes, it was Halliday who broke the deadlock. Ross Fisher fouled Barrie McKay and Halliday made no mistake from twelve yards as he found the back of the net with a well struck spot-kick.

It was an ideal start for Warburton’s side and the game settled into a familiar pattern as Rangers swarmed forward time after time. It was one-way traffic, but the Shire stood firm to keep the score down, even if they did ride their luck at times.

Keeper Darren Dolan saved from Lee Wallace and Kenny Miller either side of a last gasp clearance from Fisher as Miller waited to convert a Windass cross inside the six yard box.

The 22-year-old has made an encouraging start to life at Ibrox and, after scoring on his debut against Charleston Battery earlier this month, he netted his first competitive goal at Ochilview, finishing at the second attempt after meeting a McKay cross from the left flank.

It was the goal that ensured there would be no slip-up or shock, and the one that all-but confirmed Rangers’ place at the top of the table going into the final round of matches next week. It was a matter of how many Warburton’s side would win by now and they should have made their dominance show on the scoreboard.

They could have added to their tally before the break but sloppy finishing denied them a third goal in front of the vocal Gers travelling crowd.

Miller was the main culprit and he became a light-hearted target for the away fans – who chanted ‘Sebo, Sebo, Sebo!’ at him after he ballooned an effort over the bar with the goal gaping. With Rangers in control, the striker and the supporters could afford to laugh it off.

The job was more than done for Rangers, and the second half was a case of game management for as they looked to add a shine to the score line but avoid any injuries with the big kick-off looming.

Striker Dodoo became the focal point of the Gers attack when he was introduced on the hour mark and saw a deflected effort loop over the bar just minutes after his arrival.

He had few other chances, but was a willing runner as he lead the line and looked to make a positive first impression in Light Blue.

The drop in tempo was understandable, but Rangers should have been more clinical in the final third, with Kranjcar and Lee Hodson unsuccessful with attempts in quick succession.

With seconds remaining, Rangers finally netted for the third time as Dodoo converted a Wallace cross from a couple of yards out.

It was a positive ending to another satisfactory night for Warburton’s side.