[tab:Match report]
Phil McGhee at Ibrox
Motherwell slipped to another away defeat in a pretty even affair where the lack of a cutting edge in front of goal paid dear.
The Fir Parkers created two great chances at either end of a tame first half but Craig Tanner failed to make them count. The visitors then paid the price as Rangers grabbed a second half double.
Although a few players were carrying injuries, ‘Well made only two changes from Saturday. Andy Rose replaced Chris Cadden, while Alex Fisher was given the nod in favour of Ryan Bowman.
Within 60 seconds, Fisher’s headed flick sent Tanner through on Wes Foderingham. Perhaps toying with the idea of lobbing the advancing ‘keeper, the striker then shot straight at the Ibrox stopper and the chance to put immediate pressure on the home side was gone.
The Steelmen maintained their positive start and clever footwork from Tanner found space for Richard Tait to cross low towards the six yard area. But Bruno Alves reacted quickly to nip in front of Fisher and clear the danger.
At the other end, Trevor Carson had to stand strong to beat away a thumping drive from Eduardo Herrera as Gers began to find their way towards the visitors’ goal.
‘Well’s injury woes continued after 19 minutes when Carl McHugh went to ground holding his head and, after a quick check from the physio, was led off the pitch with Allan Campbell taking over the captain’s deep midfield role.
Careless play five minutes later almost cost ‘Well. Having lost possession near the home corner flag, they allowed Rangers to break quickly to the other end. But Declan John’s low left foot shot was comfortably held by Carson.
At this stage, Rangers’ play was hardly convincing and a series of needless fouls from the Ibrox men provided Tanner with the opportunity to deliver some inviting free kicks into the home goalmouth but again nobody could produce the killer touch.
On the stroke of half-time, an astute back healer from Richard Tait sent Tanner in behind the home defence and although he guided his low angled drive beyond Foderingham, the ball sped narrowly beyond the keeper’s right hand post.
With neither team on top, a needlessly conceded corner led to Rangers’ opening goal 10 minutes into the second half.
Kranjcar’s delivery eventually found its way to Wilson on the other side of the box, and the central defender’s fierce shot flashed high past Carson and into the far corner of the net to give the home side the lead.
Determined to take something from the game, Bowman replaced Andy Rose as ‘Well went with three up front.
However, it took a fabulous double save from Carson in the 69th minute to keep his side in the game. The ‘Well ‘keeper spread himself to block Alfredo Morelos, before quickly recovering to do likewise to Jamie Barjonas’ low drive.
After 74 minutes, ‘Well came within a metre of an equaliser. Tanner made space on the right before sending in a cross which Fisher stooped to meet only to head the ball narrowly past the post.
A minute later Carson and his team mates were beaten when Gers grabbed a second and decisive goal. While the Fir Park players disputed a throw in, the ball was played through to Morelos, who checked he was onside before slamming the ball into the net and wrap up the points.
Motherwell: Carson; Tait, Kipre, Hartley, Dunne; McHugh (Campbell 20), Grimshaw, Rose (Bowman 62), Bigirimana; Tanner, Fisher (Newell 78).
Subs not used: Xenodochov, Hammell, MacLean, Turnbull.
[tab:As it happened]
Alastair Reilly at Ibrox
Live Blog Rangers v Motherwel
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