Rangers and Ayr United have previously met in the Scottish Cup on six occasions but, remarkably, this will be their first ever meeting in the tournament at Ibrox. Four of the previous meetings have taken place at Somerset Park while the other two, in 1973 and 2000, were at the semi-final stage and were played at Hampden Park. Overall, the Light Blues have won five of the previous fixtures, losing once – the first Scottish Cup encounter in 1923 – and have scored 18 goals, while conceding three.
Although the clubs have never contested a Scottish Cup final, they have met at the semi-final stage on two occasions. In April 1973, a Derek Parlane double was enough to give Gers a 2-0 victory at Hampden, thus setting up a memorable final against Celtic most notable for Tom Forsyth’s winning goal, and in April 2000, Ayrshire born Billy Dodds hit a hat-trick as the Light Blues beat Ayr 7-0 at Hampden, before going on to beat Aberdeen 4-0 in the final.
Of the five times that Rangers have beaten Ayr United in the Scottish Cup, they have gone on to lift the trophy in all but one of those seasons. The most recent victory, at Somerset Park in February 2018 when doubles from Alfredo Morelos and Josh Windass helped Gers to a 6-1 win, is the only time that the Light Blues have not won the Scottish Cup, having defeated the Honest Men on the way. Scottish Cup wins in 1973, 1993, 2000 and 2003 all included victories over Ayr in the earlier rounds of the competition.
James Tavernier is the only player who played in the last Scottish Cup tie between the sides, in February 2018, who is still at the club and, if he plays today, will join a very select group of players that have played for Rangers in more than one Scottish Cup meeting with Ayr United that includes Stefan Klos, Lorenzo Amoruso, Arthur Numan, Barry Ferguson and Neil McCann, who all played in the 7-0 semi final win at Hampden in 2000 and again in the 1-0 victory at Somerset Park three years later.
Every issue has the best exclusive interviews and in-depth features, read more about what you can find in the Aberdeen issue below:
Exclusive interview with fan voted player of the month Cyriel Dessers who thinks that Philippe Clement's Rangers will continue to get better and build on the League Cup success in 2024.
B Team goalkeeper Mason Munn on his hopes to follow in the footsteps of fellow countryman Ross McCausland's footsteps to the men's first team.
Rangers assistant coach Jay Bradford reflects on her experiences coaching and linking back up with Jo Potter at the Light Blues.
Take a step back in time with club historian David Mason as he writes about the career of Billy Williamson.
Welcome message and update from CEO James Bisgrove
Getting To Know young English striker Archie Stevens.
Philippe Clement's and Captain James Tavernier's programme notes
Full lowdown on Ayr United with our opposition focus, and match fast facts.
All this plus so much more can be found in 84-page issue, price just £4.
Programmes can be purchased pre-match at Ibrox Stadium from our sellers outside the stadium, at the bar in Edmiston House, within the Museum Store or at every kiosk inside the stadium, or online here.
TICKETING: There are still tickets remaining for tonights crucial clash with Aberdeen at Ibrox and you can pick up yours right HERE.