Young Leicester City midfielder Henry Cartwright netted the first senior goal of his career in stunning fashion – and it ultimately led to the dismissal of Russell Martin at Rangers.
Cartwright came off the bench to score for loan side Falkirk on Sunday, with the 20-year-old shrugging off Mohamed Diomande before unleashing a strike from 25 yards, his effort taking a deflection off John Souttar before flying into the top corner.
The goal brought the game level at 1-1, which is how it ended, sparking further outrage among Rangers supporters frustrated with Martin’s leadership.
Fans reportedly surrounded the Rangers team bus, while Martin was escorted out of a rear exit and given a police convoy away from Falkirk’s stadium.
Later that evening, Martin was relieved of his duties. Strongly linked with Leicester City before joining Rangers, the former Swansea boss endured a dreadful spell at Ibrox, managing just three wins from 15 fixtures across the Premiership and European competitions.
Reflecting on his goal, Cartwright told Sky Sports: “I saw it break down and thought it was my chance to win the ball. I took the ball forward, saw Ethan (Williams) on the right and thought, ‘No, I’ll leave him and shoot this time.’ Thankfully it’s gone top bins.
“Rangers are a massive club but not in the best run of form at the minute and I feel like we took advantage of that. We’ve done well to get a point today.”
Elsewhere, three Leicester players were involved in the same League Two clash as promotion-chasing Swindon edged out struggling Newport 1-0.
Defender Tom Wilson-Brown came on late for Swindon and produced a crucial challenge in stoppage time to secure the clean sheet and all three points.
Midfielder Sammy Braybrooke continues to receive glowing praise from Newport supporters, but both he and forward Nathan Opoku are still chasing their first win with the Exiles.
Newport have now suffered 10 defeats in their last 11 outings in all competitions and remain rooted to the bottom of League Two.
Full-back Jayden Joseph featured as a first-half substitute for Tranmere, helping them fight back from 3-1 down to earn a draw away at Bromley.
Abroad, Bilal El Khannouss has needed just six appearances with Stuttgart to equal his Leicester goal tally. The Moroccan netted his third goal for the Bundesliga outfit—who hold an obligation to buy at the end of his loan spell—as they secured a 1-0 victory over Heidenheim.
In non-league action, goalkeeper Jake Donohue’s month-long loan move to Quorn was confirmed on Saturday morning, and he was immediately thrown into action, making his senior debut in the FA Trophy against Corby.
Following a 2-2 draw, the contest went to penalties, but Donohue couldn’t stop any of the Corby spot-kicks as the Northamptonshire side advanced with a 5-3 shoot-out victory.