Rangers face St Mirren in Scottish Cup 5th round tie

February 6, 2010


Rangers have been handed an injury boost as they prepare to take on St Mirren in their Scottish Cup fifth round tie.

The match will be the first of three games between the clubs in a month with the sides meeting in the League Cup final on March 21 as well as the Scottish Premier League.

Cup holders Rangers are on a great run of form lately and are unbeaten in their last 12 matches despite a horrendous injury list since the turn of the year.

Club manager Walter Smith has had to do without top-scorers Kris Boyd and Kenny Miller as well as American winger DaMarcus Beasley and his international teammate Maurice Edu.

However Smith was given a lift when Miller declared himself fit for the match against the ‘Buddies’ as Rangers aim to get to their sixth cup final in a row.

“I will join the boys for training today (Thursday) and hopefully come through that unscathed and be back in the plans for the St Mirren game,” Miller said.

“I feel fine and I just want to kick on for the rest of the season.

“It’s a fantastic achievement to have reached five cup finals in a row and it says a lot about the squad.

“To be that consistent in cup competitions is a big feat and hopefully we can take one step closer to reaching another one when we face St Mirren on Saturday.

“It will be another very tough match but we will go in to it with confidence.”

On Sunday Celtic face a tricky away tie to Dunfermline at East End Park.

Tony Mowbray’s side were dealt a midweek blow when they saw their title aspirations torn to shreds after a defeat to relegation-threatened Kilmarnock and the Scottish Cup could be their only realistic chance of silverware.

The Hoops boss brought in eight new players in the transfer window, including Spurs captain Robbie Keane, as he shipped a similar number out.

And after such a disappointing defeat he warned his stars – new and old – that they need to fight for their place in his side.

“You don’t see it sometimes, but apathy does creep into football, players who expect to be on the teamsheet every game,” Mowbray said.

“I’d like to think we’ve created a situation where nobody in the team now can expect to see their name on the sheet unless they are performing and contributing to a winning team.”

SPL high fliers Hibernian take on the country’s worst performing team at Easter Road in the form of Montrose.

Hibs, who sit third in the top division, should have no problems against a side that sit bottom of Division Three with just nine points from 20 games.

There is an all-SPL clash as St Johnstone face Dundee United at McDiarmid Park. Derek McInnes has urged his side to use the hurt of their midweek loss to Rangers in the League Cup semi-final to drive them in their clash against the SPL’s fourth-placed clash.

First Division side Raith Rovers host Aberdeen at Starks Park. The Dons will be glad to get away from Pittodrie after losing their last two league games there as they look to progress to the quarter-finals.

Buoyed by their midweek win over Celtic in the league Kilmarnock will look to put their relegation worries behind them as they face Terry Butcher’s Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

Elsewhere on Saturday First Division leaders Dundee take on league strugglers Ayr United and in-form Ross County face Second Division Stirling Albion.

Fixtures (1500 GMT unless otherwise stated)

Saturday

Dundee v Ayr, Hibernian v Montrose, Kilmarnock v Inverness Caledonian Thistle, Raith Rovers v Aberdeen, Ross County v Stirling Albion, St Johnstone v Dundee United, St Mirren v Rangers (1230)

Sunday

Dunfermline v Celtic (1215)

GLASGOW (AFP)

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Keane fails to rouse Celtic as title hopes fade

February 3, 2010


Tony Mowbray’s hopes that his new look Celtic could revive their Scottish Premier League title challenge lay in ruins here on Tuesday after they were beaten 1-0 by relegation-threatened Kilmarnock.

Defeat leaves ‘The Hoops’ trailing bitter-rivals Rangers by 10 points.

The Celtic manager grabbed the headlines on transfer deadline day with the loan signings of Diomansy Kamara and Tottenham Hotspur’s captain Robbie Keane and the pair started the game in a line-up bereft of any Scots.

With such impressive additions to their attacking line-up Celtic were expected to dominate a Kilmarnock side hovering two points above bottom spot however Keane was denied a handful of chances by the impressive Cameron Bell.

But it was Kilmarnock debutant Chris Maguire who grabbed the headlines when he scored the only goal of the game seven minutes into the second-half to give his new side their first win over Celtic since May 2001, which leaves the losers title hopes in tatters.

Mowbray said he was disappointed not to reduce Rangers’ lead.

“There are no excuses. It didn’t roll for us tonight,” said Mowbray, who radically revamped the squad in January getting rid of several of predecessor Gordon Strachan’s players.

“I thought we had enough of the ball and possession and enough opportunities to win the game but didn’t take them.”

Jimmy Calderwood was delighted to get his first league win as Kilmarnock boss.

“We got the luck tonight as Celtic started really well,” said Calderwood, who replaced the long serving Jim Jefferies.

“But we hung on and started to play a wee bit and caused them problems and I thought Maguire was wonderful.”

Celtic supporters came in their thousands for the eagerly anticipated debut of Keane and his first meaningful involvement came just four minutes in when he teed up Ki Sung-Yeung to blast over the bar from 20 yards out.

Kilmarnock, who scored four against Dundee United at the weekend, soon showed their strengths going forward.

Liam Kelly was first to try his luck when he struck a swerving effort straight at Artur Boruc before Jamie Hamill fired into the side netting from a tight angle.

Despite their efforts it was the visitors who nearly took the lead.

Kamara’s corner was headed past Bell but Garry Hay was on the line to clear the danger.

Kamara then cut in from the left before flashing a powerful shot just wide of the post. As the game headed towards the break Keane, who had scored just once in his last 11 appearances for Spurs, squandered a hat-trick of chances.

Firstly he was picked out at the edge of the box by his Republic of Ireland colleague Aiden McGeady but his sidefooted shot was deflected wide before his attempt to chip Bell flew over the bar.

Keane should have scored when he raced into the box in the 38th minute but with only the keeper to beat the striker opted to place his shot too close to Bell, who recovered to save again on the rebound.

But it was a Kilmarnock debutant that grabbed the headlines when Maguire fired the home side into a 52nd minute lead.

Mehdi Taouil found the on-loan Aberdeen forward in space in the box and he struck an angled shot past Boruc into the bottom left-hand corner before defender Jos Hooiveld could close him down.

Keane was left frustrated when his goal-bound strike from Fortune’s weighted cross was deflected wide by Simon Ford and Glenn Loovens’ header was inches away from going in.

Ki was left holding his head as his fiercely struck shot from the edge of the box somehow stayed out before Bell made a point-blank save from Keane.

KILMARNOCK, Scotland (AFP)

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Davis keeps Rangers on title track

January 30, 2010


Steven Davis scored one and set up the other two as Rangers retained their 10-point lead at the top of the Scottish Premier League with a 3-0 win over bottom side Falkirk on Saturday.

In the early kick-off, Marc-Antoine Fortune had a penalty saved as Celtic struggled to a narrow 1-0 win over Hamilton at New Douglas Park to put some pressure on their Old Firm rivals.

Danish striker Morten Rasmussen, in only his second appearance for the club, scored two minutes after replacing Georgios Samaras to net his first Celtic goal since signing from Brondby before Tomas Cerny saved Fortune’s spot-kick after Mark McLaughlin was adjudged to have felled the striker.

However, if the Rangers players felt any pressure it never showed and Davis gave them the lead with a superbly hit free-kick before setting up John Fleck and Steven Whittaker to seal the win in the second period.

The league leaders, despite injuries to top-scorers Kris Boyd and Kenny Miller, were expected to run rampant against the team propping up the table but both sides were evenly matched in the opening period.

Danny Wilson had the first opportunity of the match in the 16th minute when he headed Sasa Papac’s floated cross goalward but Robert Olejnik got down low to his right to save.

The much-maligned Kyle Lafferty won a free-kick on the edge of the box after being hauled down by Brian McLean in the 18th minute and from the resultant free-kick Davis gave Rangers the lead.

The Northern Irish international scored his second in two games as he curled his kick into the top right-hand corner of the net.

Scott Arfield should have done better when he was played into the box by Vitor Lima but he hit his shot straight at Allan McGregor.

The Bairns came close to an equaliser when Ryan Flynn’s header from Jack Compton’s corner was cleared near the goal-line by Lafferty.

Rangers could have doubled their lead seconds after the break when Davis picked out Lafferty in the box with a cross from the right but the Northern Irishman headed high and wide under no pressure.

Falkirk had captain Darren Barr to thank two minutes for blocking Nacho Novo’s shot when he bravely threw himself in front of his rasping effort.

The Spaniard and Lafferty both sent shots flying over the bar before Davis set up Fleck to make it 2-0 in the 57th minute.

The midfielder raced down the right wing and cut into the box before firing the ball across goal to the back post where Fleck was on hand to knock in his first league goal of the season.

Rangers fans didn’t have to wait long for their side’s next goal in the 62nd minute and once again Davis had a hand in it.

He sent a pass to Whittaker who controlled it with his back to goal before spinning his marker and racing into the box to fire low past Olejnik.

Elsewhere Hibernian scored a last minute goal to beat St Mirren 2-1 to stay third, Motherwell thrashed Aberdeen 3-0, Kilmarnock and Dundee United ended 4-4 and Jim Jefferies return to Hearts ended in a 1-0 defeat away to St Johnstone.

GLASGOW (AFP)

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Rangers hope to cruise to title

January 30, 2010


Steven Davis believes Rangers’ easing injury list means they can maintain their 10-point lead over Celtic in the race for the Scottish Premier League title.

The Northern Irish midfielder was on target for the first time this season in Wednesday’s 2-0 win over St Mirren which saw Rangers increase their advantage at the top.

Victory came as Celtic were slumping to a 2-1 home defeat to Hibernian.

Rangers, who face relegation-haunted Falkirk on Saturday, had looked a little threadbare in recent weeks due to injuries and suspensions to key players.

Davis and his teammates had to rely on a last minute goal to rescue a point against Hearts last weekend as Walter Smith called-up several youth players.

However Nacho Novo, Kenny Miller, Steven Naismith and Pedro Mendes all returned in the midweek win over St Mirren and Davis believes this can boost their title hopes.

“These are difficult times for us at the moment with the number of injuries we have. This month, in particular, has been quite hard for the boys,” Davis said.

“But the boys who have come in have given the manager something to think about and we are starting to get a couple of players back. We have been missing a couple of important players recently and it will be good for us to get them back fit and get going again.”

Davis added: “We had a great run in December, but since then we have had injuries and suspensions and the manager has had to chop and change the side about. That can be disruptive.

“If we get everybody back fit it gives the manager a headache, a selection problem. Hopefully we can start playing better. We are capable of playing better.”

Kenny Miller may struggle to make the match against bottom club Falkirk after going off against St Mirren with a recurrence of his hamstring injury and top scorer Kris Boyd is still out.

Old Firm rivals Celtic head to New Douglas Park to take on Hamilton on the back of a costly defeat to Hibs.

Coach Tony Mowbray has stated that his side need to start winning games with his side only having claimed one victory so far this month and he will be boosted by the news several players have returned to training.

Scott McDonald, Mark Wilson and Shaun Maloney are all pushing for a top team return but the game against Hamilton may come too soon.

The Hoops boss might also be without Daniel Fox who is on the verge of joining English Premier League Burnley, but new signings Ki Sung-Yeung, Jos Hoovield and Morten Rasmussen, who made his debut against Hibs, are all available.

Elsewhere on Saturday only goal difference separates Aberdeen and Motherwell who meet at Pittodrie.

High-flying Hibs host St Mirren at Easter Road. John Hughes’ side sit in third-place, just two points behind Celtic, and any slip up from the Hoops could find Hibs climbing into the Champions League places.

Rugby Park is the destination for Peter Houston in his first game after being confirmed as Dundee United manager until the end of the season.

Kilmarnock are just one point above the relegation zone and are yet to win in the league under Jimmy Calderwood.

St Johnstone welcome a Hearts team looking to bounce back from their midweek thrashing at the hands of Aberdeen to McDiarmid Park.

Fixtures (1500 GMT unless otherwise stated)

Saturday

Aberdeen v Motherwell, Hamilton v Celtic (1230), Hibernian v St Mirren, Kilmarnock v Dundee United, Rangers v Falkirk, St Johnstone v Hearts

GLASGOW (AFP)

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Whittaker wants to be Rangers spearhead

January 23, 2010


Steven Whittaker has told Rangers manager Walter Smith he can be the answer to the Ibrox club’s striker crisis as they prepare to face Hearts at Ibrox on Saturday.

The utility man struck a double in extra-time at Ibrox on Tuesday to sink Hamilton’s Scottish Cup hopes.

The win booked their place in the last 16 of the competition but came at a price with forwards Nacho Novo and Kenny Miller both limping out with injuries.

And with top scorer Kris Boyd already out following a hernia operation and Steven Naismith still struggling for fitness it leaves Smith with few options up front.

It means youngsters John Fleck or Andrew Little could partner Kyle Lafferty, who has shaken off a flu bug, although Novo has a fighting chance of making Saturday’s clash.

However Whittaker, who has struck eight goals this season, says he could fill in up front in a game that could see Rangers open up a 12-point lead at the top.

“In my younger days I played up front,” Whittaker said.

“I played off the front two when I was a youth player, but then I gradually worked my way wide to either right, left or full-back.

“I have filled in at various positions before for Rangers. It’s nice for other people to chip in with some goals – myself included. I’m now creeping up towards double figures and hopefully I can reach that before the end of the season – especially with some of the strikers injured.”

Hearts, who have recovered from a poor start to the season to occupy fifth spot, could welcome back Marius Zaliukas and Jose Gonclaves from injury but Craig Thomson is out following surgery.

Tony Mowbray takes his Celtic side to Perth to take on St Johnstone on Sunday.

The Hoops boss has come under fire following his side’s 1-1 draw with bottom club Falkirk last weekend which saw Celtic slip nine points behind Rangers, although they have a game in hand.

Mowbray is still without Scott Brown, Shaun Maloney, Daniel Fox and top scorer Scott McDonald through injury and captain Stephen McManus is also struggling.

However, central defenders Jos Hooiveld and Thomas Rogne could be in line to make their debuts and Ki Sung-Yeung will look to add to his impressive first showing against Falkirk.

Elsewhere on Saturday, interim Motherwell manager Craig Brown will be hoping his side can bounce back from their Scottish Cup defeat to First Division side Inverness Caledonian Thistle as they take on St Mirren at Fir Park.

Aberdeen welcome former manager Jimmy Calderwood, now in charge of Kilmarnock, back to Pittodrie for their clash with the Ayrshire side.

Hibernian will be aiming to regain third spot from Dundee United as they welcome Hamilton to Easter Road.

Fixtures (1500 GMT unless otherwise stated)

Saturday

Aberdeen v Kilmarnock, Hibernian v Hamilton, Motherwell v St Mirren (1230), Rangers v Hearts

Sunday

Falkirk v Dundee United (1315), St Johnstone v Celtic (1530)

GLASGOW (AFP)

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Celtic look to reduce Rangers lead

January 16, 2010


Celtic manager Tony Mowbray says he is looking forward to seeing his team back in action against Falkirk on Saturday after recent postponements due to the wintry weather.

The Hoops host the Scottish Premier League’s bottom side looking to reduce the gap with league leaders Rangers who have a seven-point cushion, although they have played a game more than their rivals.

However, despite their lowly position the Bairns held the Glasgow giants to a 3-3 draw at the Falkirk Stadium earlier in the season and Mowbray knows it will be a tough match.

“There are no easy games,” he said. “It doesn’t matter who you play, you have to be very respectful of them. Falkirk try and spread the ball about, so it will be a very entertaining game.

“The game there was a tough outing for us. We didn’t play on the day, but give them a lot of credit as they played very well. However, this will be a very different game on Saturday.

“We are at home so we’ll try to be positive and put them on the back foot and win the football match.

“It’s always important to get the three points.

“This will be a long season and we have to go on accumulating points and find the consistency that I have talked about in the last month or so.

“There are plenty of positives to take from our last game against Rangers and we have to set off on a similar footing against Falkirk and try and try to get the win.”

Mowbray’s side will also head into the game light on players due to injuries and transfers.

Defender Gary Caldwell completed his move to Wigan while midfielders Barry Robson and Willo Flood joined New Zealand striker Chris Killen in joining former boss Gordon Strachan at Middlesbrough.

Scott Brown and Shaun Maloney are still out injured while the Hoops were dealt a blow when Socceroos striker Scott McDonald joined them after undergoing a hernia operation.

However, the Hoops manager has brought in two new faces with Dutch defender Jos Hooiveld and South Korean midfielder Ki Sung Yueng in line to make their debuts.

Rivals Rangers also have their worries as they visit New Douglas Park for the second time in a week to face Hamilton on league duty following their 3-3 draw in the Scottish Cup.

Walter Smith’s side has been decimated by injuries and suspensions and will be without top-scorer Kris Boyd for the next four weeks following a hernia operation.

The Ibrox side will also be without his strike partner Kenny Miller through suspension. Fellow forward Steven Naismith remains sidelined, while Lee McCulloch is also banned for the trip to Hamilton.

DaMarcus Beasley and fellow midfielder Pedro Mendes are also missing through injury, while defender Madjid Bougherra is on Africa Cup of Nations duty with Algeria.

There were some positives for the Gers gaffer with the news both Nacho Novo and midfielder Steven Davis have returned to training.

Elsewhere on Saturday, Dundee United take on Hibernian at Tannadice hoping to leapfrog the visitors into third place. Second bottom Kilmarnock host Craig Brown’s Motherwell at Rugby Park with Jimmy Calderwood in the dug-out after the former Aberdeen boss agreed a deal to replace Jim Jefferies.

Hearts will want to bounce back from their Scottish Cup defeat with a win against St Mirren at Tynecastle and St Johnstone welcome Aberdeen to McDiarmid Park.

Fixtures (1500 GMT unless otherwise stated)

Saturday

Celtic v Falkirk, Dundee United v Hibernian, Hamilton v Rangers (1230), Hearts v St Mirren, Kilmarnock v Motherwell, St Johnstone v Aberdeen

GLASGOW (AFP)

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Gers taking it a match at a time: Weir

December 30, 2009


Rangers captain David Weir says he won’t give this weekend’s game against Celtic a second thought until they take care of their match against Dundee United on Wednesday.

The Gers have stormed four points clear at the top of the table as the form team in the Scottish Premier League with five wins on the trot since their only defeat of the season against Aberdeen in November, scoring 19 goals along the way.

Their 4-1 demolition of Hibernian on Sunday, where they came back from going a goal behind in 12 seconds, signalled a statement of their intent in a week where they take on their three nearest challengers in the race for the title.

The second Old Firm derby of the season is on the horizon but veteran defender Weir says Wednesday’s clash with fourth-placed United at Ibrox is just as important as they bid to retain their championship crown.

“The league title isn’t won in December,” said the 39-year-old.

“All we have done is just given ourselves a chance. We’ve got a big week and the result against Hibs was a confidence booster. “After Aberdeen at the end of last month, we realised it just wasn’t good enough. We had a word, sorted a few things out and have won five games in succession since.

“It was a big disappointment, the manner in which we lost the opening goal to Hibs after 12 seconds, but we responded in the right way.

“The spirit in the side is good but the important thing is to keep a bit of momentum going. There are some very important games approaching and we have to be ready for them.

That means we have to get ourselves in the right frame of mind for the game against Dundee United.”

Walter Smith has been dealt a blow before the game with United with the news American winger DaMarcus Beasley has been ruled out for three weeks after injuring a thigh during training.

He will join fellow midfielders Kevin Thomson and Pedro Mendes on the sidelines for the visit of United, whose search for a new manager continues following the departure of Craig Levein to the national team.

However, there was better news for Smith as Maurice Edu returned to the first team as a sub in the defeat of Hibs on Sunday, his first appearance since May.

Rivals Celtic face a Kilmarnock side who haven’t won at home in their last four attempts.

Tony Mowbray’s side picked up a confidence boosting win over Hamilton at the weekend and the Hoops gaffer knows he can’t afford to fall any more points behind Rangers before the side’s clash at Parkhead on Sunday.

The manager will still be without Scott Brown and Shaun Maloney but Gary Caldwell returns after suspension as Celtic look to keep pace with the league leaders.

Elsewhere on Wednesday, Motherwell make the trip to Tynecastle to take on Hearts without manager Jim Gannon, who was sacked on Monday after only six months in charge following his refusal to sign a contract with the Fir Park club.

St Johnstone have a tough task as they host Hibs, who were unbeaten in 12 matches before their loss to Rangers while strugglers Hamilton and St Mirren clash at New Douglas Park.

Fixtures (1945 GMT unless otherwise stated)

Wednesday

Hamilton v St Mirren

Hearts v Motherwell

Kilmarnock v Celtic

Rangers v Dundee United

St Johnstone v Hibernian

GLASGOW (AFP)

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Rangers´ best to come, says Novo

December 19, 2009


Nacho Novo has warned the rest of the Scottish Premier League that the best is yet to come from Rangers as they bid to increase their lead at the top of the table.

Walter Smith’s side leapfrogged leaders Celtic when they won their game in hand against Dundee United on Tuesday.

Rangers produced their best performance of the season in the 3-0 win at Tannadice with striker Novo playing a starring role in a win that puts them one point clear of Celtic.

The Ibrox side now have a crucial run of games over the Christmas period starting with Saturday’s visit of Motherwell but Spaniard Novo insists the squad are getting better all the time.

“I think we are coming into form at the right time. It is a crucial series of games and we need to be up for them,” Novo said.

“We were delighted to beat United, but we need to hit that level every game, and look to be even better as we have so many tough matches. The boys have been working really hard to get it right after some bad performances. I think the signs are better now, but we can improve.

“Everybody is fighting for each other and that is making a big difference for us just now. The boss has been on at us to make sure we press other teams and we did that really well at Tannadice. To win 3-0 up there was excellent.

“All over the park, from defence to midfield and the strikers, we have been very good and well organised in the last few games. The boys have been fantastic with three league wins in a row, and hopefully we can keep it going in the big games we have coming up.

Smith has been boosted by the return of injury of three first-team stars for the visit of Jim Gannon’s side on Saturday.

Keeper Allan McGregor should return to take his place between the sticks from Neil Alexander, who kept two clean sheets in his absence.

Kevin Thomson, who missed the match against Dundee United with a slight thigh strain, will be included in the squad as will American Maurice Edu, who has been out with a knee injury since May.

A win for Rangers would send them four points clear and put the pressure on Celtic, who don’t face Hearts at Tynecastle until Sunday.

However the Hoops will take some confidence from showing against Rapid Vienna in the Europa League on Thursday when they came from three goals down to finish the game with a 3-3 draw.

Boss Tony Mowbray rested several first team players for the match in Austria with one eye on the game against Hearts but the performance of the fringe players will have given him something to think about.

Long-term injuries Scott Brown and Shaun Maloney will be missing for the game against a Hearts side who are without a win in three games.

In Saturday’s other games third-placed Hibernian face a tough away game against Aberdeen, Hamilton are at home to Dundee United, bottom two Kilmarnock and Falkirk meet at Rugby Park and fellow strugglers St Johnstone take on St Mirren.

Fixtures (1500 GMT unless otherwise stated)

Saturday

Aberdeen v Hibernian, Hamilton v Dundee United, Kilmarnock v Falkirk, Rangers v Motherwell, St Johnstone v St Mirren

Sunday

Hearts v Celtic (1230)

GLASGOW (AFP)

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Boyd double keeps Gers in title mix

December 13, 2009


A Kris Boyd double helped Rangers to a convincing 3-0 win over St Johnstone to keep them two points behind Celtic in the race for the Scottish Premier League title.

Celtic’s 3-2 win over Motherwell in the early kick-off meant Rangers started the game five points behind but they showed no signs of nerves as Boyd netted within 30 seconds.

Nacho Novo won a penalty mid-way through the half which Boyd duly converted before the Spaniard added a second-half strike as Rangers ran riot.

Rangers will have the chance to top the table if they win their game in hand over Dundee United on Tuesday.

“Throughout the match we created an awful lot of opportunities,” Ranger manager Walter Smith said.

“We should have done better when we did get the opportunities but all-in-all I’m delighted with the performance.”

St Johnstone boss Derek McInnes said: “We slit our own throats and never got going defensively at all.

“All credit to the lads who kept going, but it wasn’t an enjoyable afternoon.”

Before kick-off a thigh injury for Allan McGregor meant Neil Alexander took his place between the posts, Kirk Broadfoot made his first start in nine months while Boyd also returned from injury.

And it took just 30 seconds for the SPL’s top-scorer to add to his already impressive tally for the season.

A slack clearance allowed DaMarcus Beasley to play in Boyd, who spun on the edge of the box and sent a measured shot beyond former Rangers keeper Graeme Smith.

Only a fingertip save from Smith stopped Kenny Miller from doubling the lead in the eighth minute with the keeper at full-stretch to keep out his acrobatic volley.

A lapse in concentration allowed Chris Millar to rob Novo of possession just outside his own box before he unleashed a fierce drive that Alexander did well to turn round the post.

Broadfoot almost marked his Rangers return with a goal in the 19th minute but he headed Novo’s pass over the bar.

Novo won the home side a penalty in the 27th minute. The Spaniard was quickest to a loose ball in the box but was sent flying by the trailing hand of Smith as he rounded the keeper.

Boyd stepped up to take the resultant penalty and he buried his shot low into the bottom left-hand corner. Miller came close with a dipping volley from 12 yards that just cleared the bar before he turned provider for Boyd with only the outstretched leg of Smith denying the striker his hat-trick.

Boyd did have the ball in the net in the 45th minute but was flagged offside before he finished high past the keeper. The lively Novo added a third in the 51st minute.

Beasley’s cross picked out Miller in the box whose shot was well saved by Smith but Novo was there to drill the rebound into the net from 10 yards. A slack Kevin Thomson pass allowed Graham Gartland to race in on goal but his lobbed shot floated over the crossbar before Saint’s Millar sent a weak header straight to Alexander.

Novo was inches away from his second as he slammed a shot off the post from the edge of the box, Smith saved well from Beasley’s rising shot and sub John Fleck fired just over as Saints were run ragged.

In the early kick-off Georgios Samaras gave Celtic the lead before goals from Lukas Jutkiewicz and Mark Reynolds sent Motherwell in ahead at the break. Aiden McGeady scored Celtic’s 1000th SPL goal to equalise and Barry Robson missed a penalty before substitute Marc-Antoine Fortune scored a 25-yard screamer within seconds of coming on to seal the win.

Elsewhere St Mirren and Falkirk and Kilmarnock versus Hibernian both finished 1-1, Hearts and Dundee United ended goalless and Hamilton won 2-1 away to Aberdeen.

GLASGOW (AFP)

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Novo charged for gesturing Aberdeen fans

December 12, 2009


Rangers striker Nacho Novo has been charged with improper conduct for purportedly gesturing to Aberdeen supporters in last month’s Clydesdale Bank Premier League game at Pittodrie.

The 30-year-old Spaniard was photographed with his shorts lowered beneath his buttocks as he ran off the pitch at the end of the game, but it is the alleged finger gesture that has landed him with a Scottish Football Association charge.

An SFA spokesperson said on Friday, “The review panel today decided that there was a case to answer in respect of the alleged case of improper conduct on the part of Rangers player Nacho Novo, having allegedly gestured to Aberdeen supporters after the match on November 28. Subsequently the matter is being referred to the disciplinary committee for investigation and/or consideration.”

The case will be heard at the next disciplinary committee meeting on January 26.

Nacho Novo joined Rangers from Dundee for 450,000 Pounds in 2004.

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