SOCCER PREMIER LEAGUE: Rangers 1 Hearts 0:EL HADJI Diouf's Rangers debut proved error-strewn but low-key. Thankfully for Walter Smith, the latest manager to take a chance on the striker, no meaningful controversy was attached to Diouf's maiden appearance in light blue.
Diouf turned out for 70 minutes of this narrow win. In a game of precious few chances, it was no shock that a single goal proved decisive. Rangers have narrowed the gap on Celtic at the top and ensured both teams head into Sunday’s Old Firm game in winning form.
Hearts left Glasgow no doubt aware that a decent performance could have received tangible reward but for a lack of belief when close to the Rangers goal.
After Celtic’s 3-0 win at Aberdeen, Rangers started this game eight points adrift of their city rivals but holding three games in hand. Perhaps the hosts’ fired-up start was hardly a surprise, then. Rangers also believed they had a score to settle after Hearts’ fortunate victory against them in Edinburgh last month.
Kyle Lafferty demonstrated the power of that dual motivation. The Northern Irishman opened the scoring with a first-time strike after Steven Whittaker’s looping pass had eluded Eggert Jonsson.
The Ibrox decibel level was raised even further with 20 minutes played as Diouf entered proceedings from among the substitutes, replacing the injured Lee McCulloch.
Guardian Service
RANGERS:McGregor, Whittaker, Bougherra, Weir, Papac, McCulloch (Diouf 20), Davis, Edu, Ness, Weiss (Naismith 71), Lafferty. Subs not used: Alexander, Fleck, Foster, Healy, Bartley. Goal: Lafferty 4.
HEARTS:Kello, Craig Thomson, Jonsson, Zaliukas, Palazuelos, Mrowiec, Santana (Driver 72), Black (Stevenson 46), Skacel (Glen 80), Elliott, Bouzid. Subs not used: MacDonald, Templeton, Jason Thomson, Obua. Booked: Zaliukas, Santana, Black, Jonsson, Bouzid, Stevenson. Attendance: 44,823. Referee: Brian Winter (Scotland).
