Jason Cummings dedicates first Rangers goal to fans

Jason Cummings sparked a mini-pitch invasion with his Dingwall winner - then dedicated it to the Rangers faithful who have made him an instant hero.

Jason Cummings
Published 29th Jan 2018

The former Hibernian frontman bagged his first Gers strike since sealing his six-month loan switch from Nottingham Forrest against Ross County. The goal clinched a 2-1 victory for Graeme Murty's men and sent the boisterous band of travelling Light Blues supporters who had made the long journey to the Highlands into raptures. Dozens even leapt onto the Global Energy Stadium's pitch to join with Cummings' celebrations as he made a sprint for the corner flag. And while the incident could end up landing the club in trouble, the 22-year-old savoured every second of it. He said: "It was fantastic, I'm buzzing. The fans were a different class. I was saying to the boys that if I got on I would have to score and go sliding into the fans. "I got my chance and I took it, so I'm buzzing. "I thought I died when the fans came on. Honestly, I didn't think I was going to get up, I was praying for the coppers to come and get them off of me. "I can't remember how many were on top of me, I just remember a big pair of denim jeans in my face. "I did a knee slide and the momentum of the wet pitch took me into the fans, so I was kind of stuck, but I wouldn't have it any other way. "They've been different class with me, so that goal was for them. "I'd scored a few against them in the past but that's what happens in football. Now I'm here to score a few for them. "They've taken me in with open arms, so I appreciate that." Daniel Candeias struck the Light Blues' opener after 21 minutes but his 20-yard effort should have been stopped by County goalkeeper Aaron McCarey, who let it fly through his hands. Gers allowed their pace to slow after the break but the introduction of new signings Greg Docherty and Cummings gave them fresh energy. And Cummings put them out of sight when he pounced on Ross Draper's misplaced pass with eight minutes left, driving forward before finding the bottom corner. David Ngog pulled one back with a penalty in stoppage time after a Russell Martin handball but home boss Owen Coyle felt his should have had an earlier spot-kick after David Bates used an arm to keep out a Draper header. "They were both penalties - but the one that wasn't given looked an even bigger penalty," said Coyle, whose side have now gone 12 games without a win and sit six points adrift at the bottom of the table. "If it doesn't hit his hand, it's possible a goal. That's huge."