Rangers edged a 1-0 victory over Motherwell tonight to close the gap on SPL leaders Celtic to four points.

Skipper Barry Ferguson scored the only goal on 74 minutes to give the home side, who have two games in hand on their city rivals, a deserved victory.

David Weir hit the post with an early header but in general it was a subdued performance from the hosts in the first half at Ibrox.

However, things improved after the interval with Ferguson and Steven Davis prominent.

The winner came with 16 minutes left, Ferguson hooking home an impressive finish following a corner.

However, there was a hint of controversy to that goal - Rangers won the corner following a drop ball which was awarded when Gers assistant boss Ally McCoist prevented the ball running out for a throw-in near the dug out.

Defeat for Mark McGhee's men is a blow to their hopes of finishing third and securing UEFA Cup football.

However, they still lead Dundee United and Hibs by a point and have a game in hand, although that is also against Rangers later this month.