Rangers retained the Scottish Premier League title at Easter Road on Sunday as Kyle Laffety's goal earned a 1-0 win over Hibernian and sealed the league crown for the Gers in the process.
Celtic's earlier 2-0 win over Dundee United at Tannadice had ensured that the Gers still had a little work to do to hold onto their title and they did what was required of them, Lafferty's goal the only breakthrough in a tight and testing affair in Edinburgh.
A scrappy opening to the decisive encounter saw Maurice Edu nod a Steven Davis cross wide early on for the Gers, while John Rankin blazed over a free-kick at the other end.
The travelling fans wanted a goal early to increase their grip on the title and they were frustrated when Kenny Miller hooked an effort over the crossbar from close range in the game’s next chance.
But not long after that they were on their feet and Miller played his part. The former Derby County man lofted a high ball forward into the path of the gangly Lafferty on the left of the Hibs area and he used his strength to make light of the attentions of Chris Hogg before firing the ball across goal and over the line from a tricky angle.
It was a fine finish from the Northern Ireland forward, but Hibs were not going to allow them to celebrate there and then and former Celtic man Derek Riordan came close to levelling matters when drawing a fine save from Allan McGregor with a fierce drive.
Rangers’ Kevin Thomson, who used to ply his trade as a home player at Easter Road, then saw his free-kick nodded on by David Weir, only for Edu to head over but the game remained open and Paul Hanlon caused panic in McGregor’s area when he sprayed an effort across goal and wide. However, there were no more first half goals.
The hosts continued to make things difficult for the Gers after the break, but Walter Smith’s men seemed content to sit back and wait for their chances. That said they were nearly cut open early in the half as a fine passing move from Hibs saw the ball land at the feet of David Wotherspoon and his curling effort was only inches from finding the top corner.
Hibs were then denied a strong penalty shout when Steven Whittaker looked to have fouled Riordan and got nowhere near the ball but referee Willie Collum waved play on.
Chances remained few and far between with Hibs’ Anthony Stokes getting very frustrated, while Miller had a goal disallowed controversially for the Gers when he was deemed to be offside, having had a free run at goal and slotting home.
Graeme Smith was well behind an effort from Naismith and Davis dragged another shot wide as the half wore on.
Sasa Papac ensured the door was not left open at the back by Rangers as he blocked another opportunity for Wotherspoon, while Edu failed to give the visitors breathing space towards the end when he rifled a 25-yard effort just over Smith’s bar.
The Gers then survived a succession of late corners from Hibernian before Collum’s final whistle sounded the end of the game and the end of any Celtic hopes of a disastrous late season collapse by Rangers, whose status as champions – which has long seemed secure – is now official.