Rangers have maintained their lead at the top of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League following a 2-1 victory over Dunfermline at the Ibrox.
The game started at a slow pace, with neither side able to really gain control in the opening minutes. Both sides tried to carve out opportunities, with Steven Whittaker, Sone Aluko and Gregg Wylde all trying their luck for Rangers, while Andrew Barrowman had an effort saved by Allan McGregor.
The scales eventually tipped in Rangers’ favour however, after an attempted clearance from Dunfermline goalkeeper Paul Gallacher bounced off his teammate Alex Keddie and into the back of the net in the 22nd minute following a cross from Wylde.
Things went from bad to worse for Dunfermline soon after when Gary Mason fouled Aluko in the box, which saw referee Steve Conroy award a penalty. The resulting effort was put away by Nikica Jelavic, who powered the ball low and hard down the centre of the goal to beat Gallacher once again in the 29th minute.
Despite taking this early two goal lead, Rangers failed to contain Dunfermilne, who responded quickly thanks to a solo run from midfielder Joe Cardle, who saw his low shot beat McGregor and go into the bottom corner only two minutes later.
The rest of the half played out without much incident, with Rangers getting the better of the play. Despite this however, neither side was able to produce another clear cut scoring opportunity and the half ended as you were with Rangers leading 2-1.
The second half began much as the same as the first, with Rangers getting the better of the play. Both teams had a few efforts on goal, but once again it was Rangers who came closest with a shot from Kyle Bartley deflected just over the crossbar, while Jelavic forced Gallacher to produce a good save to tip his effort just wide of the post.
Rangers looked the more likely of the two teams to score again, with Aluko and Kyle Lafferty combining well on several occasions. Despite this however, neither side was able to carve out a goal for themselves and the game finished 2-1 to the home side.
The win sees Rangers sitting seven points ahead of Celtic in the league table, although that could all change tomorrow when Celtic take on Dundee United.