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“We gave them more than a game. The challenge now is taking our quality today into the next matches.”

Stephen Robinson reacts to the narrow loss at Rangers.

Despite a terrific performance both tactically and in terms of commitment, Motherwell failed to take a point from an absorbing encounter at Ibrox.

Devante Cole’s 20th minute strike was just reward for Motherwell’s positive start and first half display. Jermaine Defoe grabbed the equaliser just prior to the half-time whistle, but that failed to deter the Steelmen, who were eventually beaten by Filip Helander’s headed winner 11 minutes from time.

Much to their credit the Fir Park men failed to fold and ended the game pressing the home side for a deserved equaliser and a well earned point.

Looking to reclaim third spot in the league Stephen Robinson made four changes from the side which lost to Aberdeen.

Bevis Mugabi made his first start, and with Jake Carroll back from injury he formed a back five. Liam Donnelly, returning from suspension, was anchored in front of the back line providing ‘Well with a strong defensive unit to blunt a free scoring Rangers’ attack.

However, at the other end of the park, and for the first time, the ‘Well boss opted to pair Christopher Long and Devante Cole in attack, in the hope of giving the home defence some problems of their own.

As it tuned out the first couple of goal threats came from the visitors. With three minutes on the clock Long released Liam Grimshaw down the right flank and when his low cross was partially cleared the ball found Long but his curled effort flew over the crossbar.

Two minutes later the former Blackpool striker was a couple of strides away from reaching Liam Polworth’s decisive through ball as Alan McGregor raced from his line to smother the threat.

The home side had a couple of long range efforts off target as the ‘Well defence stood tall against a series of crosses.

However, with 20 minutes played and just when the Ibrox fans thought their side was getting into its stride, the Fir Park men stunned them with the opening goal.

Allan Campbell, who showed great tenacity at the edge of his own box to win a free kick, then popped up at the other end where his snap shot was blocked. With his back to goal Cole collected the loose ball tuned and from 15 yards drilled a low shot past the diving McGregor to give the Steelmen a lead to protect.

Not surprisingly Rangers came surging forward in pursuit of a quick equaliser and within a couple of minutes there were two strong appeals for a penalty as they claimed the ball clattered off Peter Hartley’s and then Grimshaw’s arms. Mugabi, looking big and solid between Hartley and Declan Gallagher bravely charged down Greg Stewart’s powerful drive as the intensity around the visitor’s penalty area increased.

Rangers were finally awarded a spot kick after 37 minutes. Heading for the byline, James Tavernier hit the ground as he nipped past Polworth much to the ‘Well man’s indignation. Despite the Fir Park players pleas to referee Andrew Dallas, the decision stood – only for Tavernier to smack the spot kick off the foot of the post.

Three minutes from the break Steven Gerrard made an early change bringing on the highly rated Ryan Kent. And in injury time Rangers grabbed the equaliser, as ‘Well players again protested.

As Donnelly claimed a foul, Jermaine Defoe headed towards the visitor’s box where he set up Scott Arfield. From 20 yards the Canadian’s thumping drive was beaten out by Mark Gillespie but only as far as Defoe, who from an angle, slammed the ball under the ‘keeper to make it all level at the interval.

Ten minutes into the second half and with Rangers furiously pressing to take the lead, ‘Well made their first substitution Richard Tait replacing Carroll at left back.

Campbell, thriving on the midfield action, shrugged off a couple of challenges but after a smart exchange with Cole he just failed to play the on loan Wigan striker in behind the home defence.

Despite Rangers’ possession around the box, Gillespie was well protected until 62 minutes when he threw himself low to his left to push Tavernier’s angled shot beyond his post. A minute later Donnelly’s trip on Defoe 20 yards from goal presented Tavernier with another set piece but the full back fired the free kick over Gillespie’s bar.

As the Ibrox side became increasingly frustrated as they failed to break through the organised and hard working ‘Well defence, the Steelmen had a great chance to score on the counter-attack.

Campbell again did the spade work releasing Cole who carried the ball towards the Rangers’ box before playing in Long. Although the angle was tight he failed to test McGregor firing his shot into the side netting.

With 20 minutes remaining and the frustrations extending to the home stands, Gerrard sent on top goal scorer Alfredo Morelos. ‘Well then made a positive change when Jermaine Hylton took over from the tiring Long.

Morelos’ only chance came when he latched on to a though ball but closely marshalled by Hartley the Columbian’s touch was gathered by Gillespie.

Rangers finally grabbed the eventual winner after 79 minutes. Helander threw himself in front of Mugabi to nod Tavernier’s corner beyond the diving Gillespie and inside the ‘keeper’s right had post.

Sherwin Seedorf immediately replaced Mugabi as Motherwell pressed Rangers for the closing stages in search of an equaliser.

With five minutes additional time indicated it was the Rangers’ fans who were disgruntled and screaming for the final whistle as the home side hung on to their slender lead.

‘Well now look to the visit of Kilmarnock on Wednesday to overtake the Ayrshire side and move back into third place.

Wherever you are, you can listen to live audio commentary from Rangers v Motherwell on Sunday.

Priced at £5.99 a month, just head to tv.motherwellfc.co.uk to subscribe.

We’ve also got live streams of all Motherwell home matches – and the majority of away games – available to fans outside the UK/Ireland. Our trip to Ibrox is one of the few not covered.

2019/20 Motherwell streaming service matches

Tickets are no longer available for our trip to face Rangers.

Fans who require ambulant or wheelchair access should contact Andy Sim on 07428 225254 or email tickets@mfcdsa.com.

Can’t make it? Listen live

Wherever you are, you can listen to live audio commentary from Ibrox.

Priced at £5.99 a month, just head to tv.motherwellfc.co.uk to subscribe.

Rangers lie in wait for Motherwell at Ibrox on Sunday in the Ladbrokes Premiership, as they return to league action after facing Porto in Europe on Thursday night.

Here’s the lowdown on our opponents.

The story so far

Sitting joint top of the Premiership with Celtic, Steven Gerrard’s side are second solely on the count of scoring one goal less than Celtic. They are also in the semi-finals of the Betfred Cup, where they will face Hearts on 3 November.

In Europe, they’ve won seven from 11 UEFA Europa League matches and drawn three, with the latest draw coming in an impressive 1-1 draw at Porto on Thursday night.

Form guide

With seven league wins from nine, Gerrard’s men are in ominous form.

In all competitions, they’ve won nine of their last 10 matches at Ibrox, with their only blip coming in the 2-0 derby loss to Celtic in September.

Their last domestic result was a 1-1 draw at Hearts last weekend.

How they shaped up last time

Three to watch

Nikola Katic

An integral part of the Rangers defence, Croatian internationalist Nikola Katic has built on the momentum from his strong finish to the 2018-19 season with some excellent displays at the beginning of the new campaign.

Katic was recently rewarded with an extended contract until the summer of 2023 and speaking afterwards Gers boss Steven Gerrard hailed the 23-year-old as a player willing to put his body on the line for the cause.

After having to watch on from the bench as Rangers earned a point against Porto on Thursday, Katic will be determined to return to the starting-eleven as the Ibrox side return their attentions to domestic matters against ‘Well.

Ryan Jack

Another player celebrating a new deal at Ibrox is Scotland midfielder Ryan Jack, who this week put pen to paper on a contract extension that will see him remain with Rangers until 2023.

A leader in the middle of the park, Jack is closing in on 100 appearances in light blue after joining the club from Aberdeen in the summer of 2017 and has almost been a mainstay in the team since the arrival of Steven Gerrard one year later.

Jack is second in the Scottish Premiership when it comes to progressive passing accuracy and he averages more attempted passes than any other player in the league.

Alfredo Morelos

On the back of scoring yet another goal in the Europa League, the hype surrounding Alfredo Morelos has rarely been higher.

The Colombian took his goal brilliantly midweek and has been in fantastic form so far this season – netting 16 times in 21 appearances.

‘Well boss Stephen Robinson will be well aware of the importance of how important shutting out Morelos will be if his side are to upset the odds and leave Govan with a result on Sunday. The striker has scored on both occasions he has come up against Motherwell at Ibrox and will be determined to put the Steelmen to the sword again when the teams clash on Sunday.

Stephen Robinson discussed the forthcoming clash with Rangers, the loss to Aberdeen and the difference between home and away form with the broadcast media on Thursday.

Here’s what he had to say.

On defeat to Aberdeen

“Of course we were extremely disappointed. It was a an opportunity to maybe put a little bit of distance between us and Aberdeen.

“People get frustrated. They voice their opinions. The problem is when expectations are risen, which they have massively, when you do lose then the downside of it is that the the criticism is harder.

“But if you want to be up there and you want to be in the top reaches of the league you have to deal with that.

“The players have to deal with that. I’ve warned them time and time again not to read social media and to concentrate on what we’re doing. Keep improving, keep learning and see where it take us.

“Everyone’s dictated to by results. We get beat, we are rubbish. We win, we are brilliant.

“That’s not the way I look at it. There’s lots of good positive aspects from that performance and we have to take the positive aspects and tighten up in the bits we got punished for.”

On facing Rangers

“There’s what you’re in football for. To go to Ibrox and Celtic Park and big venues like that in front of 50,000-60,000 people.

“It gives people an opportunity. Every game gives you an opportunity to express yourself. Show how good a player you are.

“Hopefully we can go and perform. We’ve been there a couple of times. I’ve got results in the past with teams. I’ve had bad experiences there as well. So we need every single player at the top of their game.

“Last week we had four or five. I thought the boys on international duty came back a little bit jaded. A little bit sluggish. We need to be right at the top of our game to make sure we get something out of it.”

On positive away form

“We’ve had a terrific away record. You know we hit teams on the counter, with a lot of pace. All of the forward players have got a lot of pace and it causes teams problems.

“We’ve struggled a little bit more at home because teams have come in and sat in. It’s very difficult to break teams down and teams have done that.

“We have to be clever of that at home. But certainly we go with a lot of confidence away from home.”

A trip to Ibrox to take on Rangers lies in wait on Sunday.

With Steven Gerrard’s side in UEFA Europa League action on Thursday night, the first trip to Glasgow of the season has been put back 24 hours. Kick off is at 3pm.

Tale of the tape

It’s second versus third, with Rangers losing top spot over the weekend as Celtic beat Ross County, and they drew 1-1 at Hearts.

That draw ended a run of four straight wins on league business, allowing Celtic to jump ahead on goals scored.

Motherwell’s 3-0 home loss to Aberdeen at the weekend chipped away at the advantage held in third spot, with Aberdeen now just a point behind.

Nevertheless, the Steelmen have still won five of their last seven league outings.

Head to head

Rangers have won three of the last five encounters between the two sides, with two high-scoring draws at Fir Park making up the other results.

Motherwell’s last league point at Ibrox was gained back in April 2017, with Louis Moult netting early in a 1-1 draw.

The Steelmen’s last victory in the south side of Glasgow of course came in May 2015, with Lee Erwin, Stephen McManus and Lionel Ainsworth netting in the 3-1 Premiership play-off victory.

Ticket information

Tickets are available online now or from the Fir Park ticket office, and must be purchased in advance.

Fans who require ambulant or wheelchair access should contact Andy Sim on 07428 225254 or email tickets@mfcdsa.com.

Can’t make it? Listen live

Wherever you are, you can listen to live audio commentary from Ibrox.

Priced at £5.99 a month, just head to tv.motherwellfc.co.uk to subscribe.

Sam Cosgrove, Niall McGinn and Zak Vyner score in a 3-0 win for the visitors.

“We got punished for mistakes. But we are still third and we will pick ourselves up again.”

Stephen Robinson reacts to Motherwell’s defeat to Aberdeen, as the Steelmen lose out 3-0.

Motherwell passed up the chance to strengthen their grip on third place as Aberdeen eventually cruised to a comfortable win to haul themselves to a point behind the Fir Park men.

With the Dons sitting fourth, the Steelmen were aiming to increase the gap between themselves and Derek McInnes’ men.

However, an early goal from Sam Cosgrove and a quick double from Niall McGinn and Zak Vyner at the start of the second half killed off the home side’s ambitions.

It might have been so different had Liam Donnelly been free of suspension as in the early stages, his presence was missed at both ends.

Within five minutes his deputy penalty taker James Scott failed to score from the spot.

Then 10 minutes later and with Peter Hartley off receiving treatment, Aberdeen exploited the defensive gap to take the lead and the initiative.

In an otherwise unchanged ‘Well line-up, Chris Long was rewarded with a starting place, following his goal after coming off the bench against St Mirren.

In an explosive start Joe Lewis was the first ‘keeper in action, firmly holding James Scott’s curling drive from 18 yards.

The Dons’ keeper was in the thick of the action a minute later. Under pressure from Sherwin Seedorf, Shay Logan was short with his pass back.

With Long racing to intercept, Lewis’ attempt at clearing the ball only succeeded in bringing down the ‘Well striker and concede a penalty.

James Scott’s effort had power and height, but Lewis redeemed himself with a sensational one handed save to turn the ball onto his bar and over.

James Wilson then tested Mark Gillespie with a powerful drive from 30 yards, which the ‘Well ‘keeper comfortably beat away from his goal.

A minute later a similar thumping effort from Wilson crashed off Peter Hartley’s head forcing the ‘Well captain off the field for treatment.

Unable to continue and before Bevis Mugabi could take his place, Aberdeen had punished the 10 men to open the scoring.

Cosgrove powered his way beyond Barry Maguire and into the penalty box before deftly clipping the ball over Gillespie and under the bar for a terrific finish.

Despite the setback the Fir Park side remained composed as they faced the prospect of breaking through the Dons’ five man defensive wall.

In the 21st minute the home side came close to the equaliser when Long nipped in front of Lewis at the corner of the six yard box but from a very tight angle he rattled the ball off the outside of the ‘keeper’s post.

Seven minutes later Cosgrove almost produced a copy of his opener. This time, though, Declan Gallagher matched his run into the box before his timely tackle deprived the Dons’ striker of the ball.

Although tight at the back, Aberdeen’s distribution from defence was sloppy and ‘Well enjoyed plenty of possession in the middle of the park – but half-time arrived with no real pressure on Lewis’ goal.

The Dons were perfectly placed for the second half, tightly holding onto their lead with the prospect of sneaking a second on the break as ‘Well pushed forward in search of an equaliser.

And the second goal duly arrived eight minutes into the half – as ‘Well contributed to their own downfall.

A series of short passes 50 yards from their own goal culminated in McGinn robbing Alan Campbell and the Northern Ireland international made the most of the chance by curling a stunning effort high beyond Gillespie’s reach and into the ‘keeper’s left hand corner.

A couple of minutes later Jermaine Hylton replaced Scott but by then the Pittodrie side and their fans were on song and on their way to a comfortable win.

As ‘Well wilted Zak Vyner hit a low 25 yards drive ball in off the bottom of the post to make it 3-0 and literally wrap up the points.

On the hour mark Barry Maguire made way for Devante Cole who arrived in time to see Liam Polworth drive a long and powerful effort just wide of goal.

Polworth then slipped the ball through to Long who turned McKenna at the edge of the box only to fire over the crossbar.

From the other corner of the penalty box Hylton fed the ball to Long and although his angled drive was on target it was a comfortable save for Lewis.

The Steelmen kept plugging away and ten minutes from time Cole got the better of McKenna at the edge of the six yard area to turn and force a shot which was blocked by the ‘keeper.

It was then Gillespie’s turn to produce a fine save low to his left, to deny Vyner a second goal.

Not to be outdone, Lewis was at full stretch to push away Cole’s angled drive, as the goalmouth action continued until the final whistle.