Soccer
Ryan Naderi winner hands Rangers third consecutive victory
Rangers striker Ryan Naderi accepted a gift to notch the only goal against Motherwell at Ibrox.
The early substitute dispossessed Alex Paulsen as the Motherwell goalkeeper attempted to dribble the ball past him outside his box.
The German had the simple task of rolling the ball into the net to score what proved to be a 12th-minute winner.
Motherwell dominated possession and created several chances but Rangers were more effective in the final third and should have added to their lead.
Kim Min-su missed a first-half penalty and debutant striker Kevin Kelsy was among those to pass up good opportunities after he came off the bench.
Rangers ultimately saw out the game without any late scares as they recorded a third consecutive William Hill Premiership victory.
Naderi had only been on the park for four minutes before netting, after being brought on to replace Lawrence Shankland.
The Rangers captain had scored their previous three goals to secure their first two league wins of the season, and pulled up with an injury.
Motherwell, who have won at Ibrox in each of the past three seasons, enjoyed 65 per cent first-half possession and continued to show bravery on the ball either side of Paulsen’s mistake, which was more reckless than courageous.
The visitors cut Rangers open several times in the first half with Ivor Pandur making saves from Tawanda Maswanhise and former Light Blues midfielder Alex Lowry.
Rangers had more of a cutting edge about them though. Djeidi Gassama saw a shot deflected wide after a box-to-box run and both the winger and Min-su had headers saved by Paulsen.
The South Korean had a glorious chance to double the lead in the 29th minute when referee Duncan Nicolson penalised Tom Sparrow as the Motherwell captain challenged Gassama in the air. However, the recent signing from Girona swept his spot-kick wide of the post.
The game remained poised throughout the second half.
Motherwell left-back Emmanuel Longelo hit a first-time strike just wide and half-time substitute Jardell Kanga played Maswanhise through in the right channel. Last season’s Premiership top goalscorer was foiled by Pandur.
James Penrice hit the post at the other end after Paulsen saved from Min-su and Well defender Martin Moorman cleared off the line from Nico Raskin.
Rangers brought on new signing Kelsy and Daizuke Yokota and both squandered excellent chances inside five minutes.
Yokota slashed a shot well wide after being gifted possession inside the box and Venezuelan striker Kelsy had space 12 yards out to finish first time but his shot skimmed off the top of the bar.
Motherwell manager Alfred Johansson brought on centre-forwards Seb Palmer-Houlden and Eythor Bjorgolfsson but neither could get a chance.
