Rangers get season up and running

by Tony Cuddihy , 30 July 2011

Goals from Steven Naismith and Nikica Jelavic saw Rangers secure their first win of the season against St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park.


Ally McCoist's side went some way to erasing the memory of last week's draw against Hearts and the midweek Champions League qualifier defeat to Malmo with this 2-0 win.

The first chance of the game fell to the Glasgow side, when Peter Enckelman was at his best to deny a close range header from Jelavic, trying the make the most of Sasa Papac's brilliant cross.

The former Aston Villa stopper could do nothing about Rangers' opener though, as Naismith grabbed the 50th goal of his SPL career.

Steven Davis delivered a pinpoint free-kick into the St Johnstone box and the midfielder was on hand to power the ball home from close range.

St Johnstone started the second half well, Kevin Moon seeing his effort saved by Allen McGregor, before Rangers made it 2-0.

Davis found Naismith, who brilliant ball played in Jelavic. The Croatian held off Steven Anderson well before firing past Enckelman.

Rangers were dominating the match completely and the 'Gers were unlucky not to make it 3-0 late in the game, substitute Juan Ortiz denied his first goal for the club by a fine Enckelman save.

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