Rangers edged past Motherwell 2-1 at Hampden Park this afternoon to secure their first league win of the season.
First half goals from Cyriel Dessers and Vaclav Cerny cancelled out a Robin Propper own goal to open the Glasgow sides account in their new temporary stadium.
The first big chance of the game came on the 10 minute mark when the hosts went close. Cerny with a lovely ball over the top of the Motherwell defense to pick out Scott Wright. The midfielder eased the ball around Oxborugh in the Motherwell net before seeing his shot blocked on the line. The rebound fell to the feet of Dessers, a mere 5 yards from goal, but a stunning save by the English goalkeeper kept the game level.
Rangers were clearly hungry for the opener and just 3 minutes later they found the back of the net through Dessers. Ridvan Yilmaz delivered a dangerous ball to the back post, he picked out Diomande who managed to head the ball back across goal, finding Dessers who slotted the ball home from close range.
The lead didn’t last long however with Motherwell back level on the 18th minute mark. Motherwell were givted too much time on the ball and punished Philippe Clement’s side. The move found Steve Seddon down the left flank, he easedd past James Tavernier before delivering a low cross into the danger area, only for debutant Robin Propper to poke the ball into his own net levelling the scoreline.
Just as it looked like this hectic opening 20 minutes was about to die down, Cerny stepped up with a momment of magic on the 24th minute mark. A perfectly curled strike from the edge of the box flew into the top corner to give the dutchman his first goal in a Rangers shirt
The remainder of the first half saw Rangers controlling the majority of the possesion but failing to extend their advantage any further.
Neither side came flying out the blocks at the start of the second half. The hosts dominated the ball once again and chances for both Cerny and Lawrence being delt with ease by the Motherwell back line.
The Glasgow side continued to dominate the play but had no real urgency to extend their lead.
A much needed 3 points for Clement’s side which ends an 8 game run without a victory.
Rangers are back at Hampden Park on Tuesday night for their Champions League qualifer second leg against Dynamo Kiev. The tie is perfectly poised at 1-1 thanks to a last minute equaliser by Dessers in Poland.
For Motherwell they will enjoy a weeks break before their league cup round of 16 tie against Kilmarnock.
