Cyriel Dessers’ third goal in a week handed Rangers an uninspiring 1-0 win over Hearts at Ibrox in the Scottish Premiership.
In a game devoid of any real quality, the game was decided as early as the sixth minute when the Nigerian forward deflected James Tavernier’s shot into the net via a Hearts defender following neat work down the left between Jefte and Nedim Bajrami.
That would be as good as it got at for the home side though, with chances coming and going for Hearts. Costa Rican international Kenneth Vargas was particularly guilty of missing two guilt-edged opportunities to level, but it was the home side that would hang on for a necessary three points.
The result keeps Rangers in third, nine points behind both Celtic and Rangers, while Hearts remain in 11th place, just one point ahead of basement club Hibs.
Here is how The Scotsman rated each player out of ten for their display at Ibrox:
9. LB: Jefte (Rangers) - 7
Made some good runs inside, aided Nedim Bajrami on the left and was the one who started the move that led to the opener. Had another strong run that created a chance for Dessers in the first-period. Dealt well with Alan Forrest. | SNS Group
10. LB: James Penrice (Hearts) - 7
Won plenty of his duels and kept Vaclav Cerny relatively quiet. Wasted a good free-kick opportunity in the first-half, but gave James Tavernier a challenge when he went forward. | SNS Group
11. CM: Mohamed Diomande (Rangers) - 5
Passing was slack and he didn't impact the game in the way Tom Lawrence can. Had a shot just past the post that didn't test Gordon, when it probably should have done. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
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12. CM: Cammy Devlin (Hearts) - 6
Had a passing accuracy of 91% and used the ball well. Won all bar one of his tackles too, but was booked in the first-half to blot his copy book. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group