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Hearts defeat puts Rangers further behind in title race

29/11/2008

Rangers have dropped further behind Celtic in the chase for the Scottish Premier League title following a 2-1 defeat away to Hearts.

Hearts scored twice midway through the first half before an own-goal gave Rangers a route back into the match.

Although the Edinburgh side finished with ten men Rangers were unable to break down the Hearts defence late in the game and slipped to their second league defeat of the season.

Rangers are now four points behind rivals Celtic and have also played a game more than the Bhoys.

The win means Hearts' unbeaten run extends to five matches and keeps them in third place ahead of Dundee United.

Hearts dominated the opening period and almost took the lead after one minute but goalkeeper Allan McGregor was able to save Andrew Driver's shot, while Rangers were restricted to a free-kick from Kris Boyd which went wide.

The home side took the lead after 20 minutes when McGregor failed to hold on to Christophe Berra's shot and Marius Zaliukas latched onto the rebound.

Their second goal was almost a carbon copy, Berra headed a free-kick towards goal and as McGregor saved the ball fell to Laryea Kingston who headed home.

Rangers then pulled a goal back before the break when Christos Karipidis' attempted clearance from a free-kick went into his own goal via the crossbar.

McGregor had to be at his best to keep Rangers in it and made two crucial saves from Kingston either side of half time.

Boyd almost levelled things just after the hour-mark but his header from close-range went over the bar.

Hearts were then reduced to ten men for the final 15 minutes when Lee Wallace was sent off for a second bookable offence.

Although rangers poured forward looking for an equaliser Hearts defended well and were able to keep them out.