Late in the second half of yesterday’s Scottish Cup Final, Hearts were awarded a corner and the Rangers end held its breath.
Despite dominating the game and having several chances to score, the 90 minute mark was approaching with the decider locked in stalemate, with Rangers still vying to secure the trophy to end the season. Extra time was looming but that corner came with just a couple of minutes to go.
88' | 0-0
Kingsley's corner is held by McLaughlin
— Heart of Midlothian FC (@JamTarts) May 21, 2022
More than a few mentioned flashbacks of 2016 when Hibs profited from two late set-pieces from the same spot to take the trophy.
Thankfully that situation was not repeated and the key reason was Jon McLaughlin, with his ability to come for cross balls, commanding his box in the process and relieving pressure.
The whistle was sounded there after and very quickly in extra time, Rangers took command scoring two very good goals to confirm the victory.
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McLaughlin had played in all Scottish Cup ties up to this point, so he was duly given the nod by Giovanni van Bronckhorst to continue, despite some expectation that Allan McGregor would come in for his potential last game for the club.
That notion of retirement appeared to be confirmed with the Rangers legend’s late symbolic appearance in the dying minutes of the game – something that the manager stated had been provisionally arranged with the approval and insistence of McLaughlin.
Going into next season, he is well placed to have a shot as number one, he has merited it.
The former Hearts and Sunderland goalkeeper brings that element of his game in coming out for crosses which is not a feature of McGregor’s.
Hearts late corner yesterday was just another instance where it has been displayed for Rangers benefit.