Rangers 4-2 Gretna

Gretna lost further ground on Kilmarnock at the bottom of the table as league leaders Rangers secured a ninth successive victory.

The Black and Whites defensive frailties were exposed by Walter Smith’s side, although Kenny Deuchar’s double was a just reward for a spirited performance.

They deserve great credit for the way they acquitted themselves at Ibrox after the most difficult of weeks.

Greg Fleming returned from suspension to take his place in goal for Mick Wadsworth’s fist game in charge, although the caretaker boss was still without first-choice centre-halves Chris Innes and Aurélien Collin through injury.

Daniel Cousin was a surprise inclusion for the home side but he repaid the faith shown in him by opening the scoring on 13 minutes.

A through-ball from skipper Barry Ferguson caught the Gretna backline on their heels and the departing striker raced clear of Kyle Naughton, rounded Fleming and finished from a tight angle.

Rangers doubled their lead nine minutes later after yet more hesitant defending. Steven Naismith somehow found space in a crowded penalty area to convert Ferguson’s corner from close range.

Given the off-field circumstances in the build-up to the game, it would have been easy for Gretna to capitulate, but they mounted a brave fightback and were unlucky not to reduce the deficit before half-time.

Nicky Deverdics forced Allan McGregor into a good save with a low free-kick before the Gers keeper was rescued by his post. John Paul Kissock fed Brendan McGill on the right and his inviting cross was met with a glancing header from Paul Murray that struck the frame of the goal.

It gave the visitors confidence and they continued to cause Rangers problems when Deuchar, who was a real handful for the Gers defence, headed a Deverdics cross narrowly over.

The striker had an even better opportunity after the break from another excellent McGill cross, although his header fell agonisingly wide.

Anxiety began to set in amongst the Ibrox crowd but Chris Burke soon put their minds at ease with a third goal on the hour mark. Darcheville made a strong run into the box and squared the ball for him to fire into the roof of the net from 10 yards.

Naughton had a good case for a free-kick though; he was clearly blocked by Cousin when attempting to close down the winger, although referee Calum Murray allowed the goal to stand.

Rangers then introduced Nacho Novo and Kris Boyd and the latter almost made an immediate impact when his glancing header from Ferguson’s corner was cleared off the line by Naughton.

Gretna also opted for fresh legs and substitute Mickael Buscher made a telling contribution to the game. The Frenchman’s corner was headed home by Deuchar six yards out for a worthy consolation.

Buscher then had a curling free-kick parried by McGregor and despite a frantic goalmouth scramble, the ball was eventually cleared.

But Rangers increased their advantage three minutes from time when Davis released Boyd on goal and he skipped past Fleming before calmly stroking the ball into the net.

The battling Borderers weren’t finished though, and Deuchar pulled another one back immediately after the restart. Hall directed Buscher’s corner back towards goal and the striker pounced for his second of the afternoon.

Rangers: McGregor, Broadfoot, Cuellar, Weir, Whittaker, Burke, Davis, Ferguson, Naismith, Darcheville (Novo 61), Cousin (Boyd 61). Subs not used: Alexander, Dailly, Daye, Furman, Fleck.

Gretna: Fleming, Barr, Naughton, Hall, Meynell, Murray (Wilkinson 70), Skelton, Deverdics (Baldacchino 77), McGill, Kissock (Buscher 70), Deuchar. Subs not used: Krysiak, Makinwa, Shultz-Eklund, Griffiths.

Star Man: Kenny Deuchar
The towering striker was the last person to score a domestic goal against the Gers and breached their defence once again. He won the aerial battle all afternoon and linked the play well. His two late headers were no more than Gretna deserved and David Weir will be glad to see the back of him.

Attendance: 48,375
Referee: Calum Murray