Football: Rangers a step nearer title
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Rangers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Aberdeen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0
THE destiny of the Premier Division championship seems secure with eight games remaining and the Rangers fans are already celebrating a fifth successive league flag after a win at Ibrox last night, which gives the Glasgow side a nine-point lead over second-placed Aberdeen.
Ian Ferguson's 65th-minute strike and a late header from Ally McCoist divided the teams and gave Rangers an important victory in the first leg of a prial of matches that will determine the success of their season, with cup ties against Hearts and Marseille to follow within the week.
Rangers came close midway through the first half of a passionate game played in cup-tie spirit, the McCoist-Mark Hateley combination setting up McCoist for a powerful 25- yard shot, which Theo Snelders pushed away. From the corner a Richard Gough header was deflected wide.
Andy Goram, the Rangers goalkeeper, saved a Scott Booth shot with his legs and Duncan Shearer contrived to head an Alex McLeish high ball across goal from two yards.
The action continued unabated with both sides squandering chances. McCoist, with 51 goals to his credit this season, delayed his shot when played clear by John Brown after 53 minutes, allowing Gary Smith the time to execute a covering tackle.
After 65 minutes Rangers took the lead with as good a goal as Ibrox has seen this season. Stuart McCall made ground with a determined run before passing to Hateley, his lay-off was met by Ferguson and a powerful 25-yard shot screamed past Snelders.
With two minutes remaining McCoist headed a reassuring second goal for Rangers from a Hateley head-flick.
Rangers: Goram; McCall, D Robertson, Gough, McPherson, Brown, Steven, Ferguson, McCoist, Hateley, Huistra (Mikhailichenko, 78; Murray, 89).
Aberdeen: Snelders; Aitken, Smith, Kane, McLeish, McKimmie, Richardson (Ten Caat, 80), Mason (Roddie, 88), Booth, Shearer, Paatelainen.
Referee: J Timmons (Kilwinning).
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments