Rangers 2-1 Motherwell: Rangers make hard work of victory

THE narrow margin of victory mocked the one-sided encounter most inside Ibrox had witnessed but Rangers survived a finale that was much more uncomfortable than it should have been.

The home side scored twice and missed a host of other chances but interest was initially focused on the other end, where Allan McGregor was replaced in goal by Neil Alexander as Rangers manager Walter Smith shuffled his pack. Christian Dailly was also brought in, while DaMarcus Beasley kept his place despite being substituted at half-time against Kilmarnock eight days previously.

The ousted McGregor watched his replacement concede a late goal as Rangers suddenly looked like sabotaging the two-goal lead established earlier in the second half through Steven Davis and Nacho Novo.

The grumbling in the stands grew more pronounced but few could argue that Rangers, in the final analysis, did not deserve the win, although it was a mostly uninspiring performance in a downbeat atmosphere. Kris Boyd was given a hard time by marker Stephen Craigan and also referee Eddie Smith, who penalised the striker on numerous occasions and then finally booked him in the second-half for diving.

What Boyd perceived as victimisation did not help his demeanour, and nor did his lack of application endear him to the home support, who grew frustrated by his inert style. This was in contrast to Kenny Miller, whose energy brought him two assists and the almost obligatory series of spurned opportunities. There was not cause to regret these however, despite David Clarkson causing a degree of fright with his goal from close range with four minutes remaining.

The relative drama of the closing stages was welcomed by the neutral, after a first half short on goal-mouth activity.

Tempers that had been pricked by a spat between Miller and Motherwell goalkeeper Graeme Smith were further raised when Pedro Mendes was dumped on his back by a heavy challenge from the visitors' right-back Paul Quinn. The tackle drew Walter Smith down from his seat in the stand with a face like thunder. While Mendes was attended to by the Rangers physio, the manager doled out an alternative form of treatment to the referee, who stood toe-to-toe with Smith on the sideline.

The clash brought the biggest cheer thus far from the fans, whose next invitation to raise the volume came as Miller attempted to open the scoring. The former Celtic striker, who moments earlier had been crudely brought down by Craigan, did well to make room for himself, but saw his shot expertly flicked past the post by Smith. A further chance fell to Boyd, although typically it was not sourced via his own efforts. Davis whipped in a cross to the back post, and Boyd's header dropped wide.

The Rangers fans were still basking in Nine in a Row memories after Stuart McCall's appearance at half-time when the mood was further sweetened by Davis' opening goal, after 56 minutes. Again Miller was instrumental, and he slipped a cute ball through to Davis, who sprang the Motherwell offside trap. On a day termed 'Ulster Day' by a section of the Rangers fans - they held up banners celebrating Rangers' Northern Irish players from the past and present prior to kick-off – Davis, from Ballymena, drew Smith, and shot beyond him.

The goal appeared to inspire Motherwell rather than Rangers, and for a brief spell they bucked up their ideas. Alexander distinguished himself with a fine save from a Clarkson effort which had attempted to search out his top corner. The greater scope of emotion suddenly exhibited by Motherwell left them short at the back, and Smith's decision to replace Beasley with Novo appeared designed to exploit this fact.

The Spaniard made an immediate impact, and fired into the side-netting after cutting in from the left. His goal was only delayed, and owed much to Miller, and also Smith in the Motherwell goal. While Miller carved out the chance with a cross from the right, it was Smith whose attempt to clear resulted directly in the goal. The 'keeper pushed the ball against Novo's midriff, and watched with anguish as it rebounded behind him into the net. Motherwell then traded chances with Rangers in the closing stages, and, unlike their hosts, were able to take one of them. Clarkson scored from close range after Porter had already stabbed a shot against a post when it looked easier to score. But Rangers held on, to remain top of the league.

MAN OF THE MATCH: Kenny Miller (Rangers)

The striker could not adorn his bustling performance with a goal of his own, but played a part in both moves which led to Rangers taking a 2-0 lead. He had chances to score himself, but was frustrated by the lack of composure which still tends to let him down. But he can be satisfied with his efforts.