Rangers extended their lead at the top of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League to 13 points with a comfortable 4-1 win over Hearts at Tynecastle. Walter Smith was delighted to have Kevin Thomson and Lee McCulloch back after suspension, plus the return of Steven Davis from illne s and his front-two pairing of Kris Boyd and Kenny Miller, both were on the bench in the
Nick Castellanos Jersey midweek cup defeat. Steven Naismith was also included in the starting line-up and ultimately re-paid the faith shown by Walter Smith and the supporters by having an excellent performance.Naismith produced a man of the math display in a fine Rangers winThe Champions took a very early lead, just after 5 minutes when Kevin Thomson scooped in a deep free-kick to the back post for the young Danny Wilson, who powered above Ruben Palazuelos to nod the ball acro s the goal and into the corner.
Jackie Robinson Jersey Rangers seemed to be comfortable in the opening 15 minutes, but a lack in concentration from Sasa Papac, normally consistant and reliable, allowed Suso Santana to nip in and fire a fine finish past Allan McGregor. Rangers continued to pre s, dominating the game and Steven Davis produced a magnificent save from Jamie MacDonald after the Northern Irish midfielder produced a terrific effort from
Alan Trammell Jersey the edge of the box. The Champions were also denied a stone-wall penalty when Ruben Palazuelos handled in the box, identical to Kyle Laffertys hand-ball in midweek, but no doubt it will be swept away as usual by The Establishment.Kenny Miller got the second goal for Rangers just after the half-hour mark, when Kris Boyd produced a fantastic header from a difficult pa s to feed Steven Naismith, who was charging through the middle, and his powerful shot cannoned off the cro sbar but bounced comfortably in the path of
Leonys Martin Jersey Kenny Miller who nodded home.As a Naismith fan, it was absolutely fantastic to see the striker back in action and producing some excellent touches. His advanced pre sing and defensive chasing was crucial to helping Sasa Papac on the
Jordan Zimmermann Jersey left-hand side against the threat of Thomson and Santana from Hearts. The former Kilmarnock hitman got his name on the scoresheet after 49 minutes when he clipped the ball over Naismith in a fine finish from a difficult angle. He got his second goal thirteen minutes from the end when he produced a fine header from 8 yards into the roof of the net from a Steven Davis free-kick.A superb performance from Rangers, 13 points clear and romping home to a 53rd League Championship.
