Rangers overpower Well

Rangers bounced back from their Old Firm derby defeat with a convincing 3-0 win over Motherwell in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League - without the help of top goalscorer Nikica Jelavic.

Jelavic missed the clash at Ibrox amid suggestions of a knee injury, paving the way for David Healy to grab his first goal of the season on what was his first SPL start of the campaign.

Sone Aluko then opened his goalscoring account for Rangers, before an own-goal from Stephen Craigan sealed the victory for the Scottish champions.

A minute's silence was observed before kick-off to remember the 66 people who lost their lives in the Ibrox Disaster on this day in 1971. Once underway, Rangers had an early chance to open the scoring when Aluko burst down the right flank and tried to set up Healy from close range but goalkeeper Darren Randolph was able to clear the danger.

With Jelavic already absent, Rangers were dealt a further blow when Kyle Lafferty pulled up chasing a long ball and left the pitch on a stretcher after just nine minutes, with John Fleck thrown into the action.

The home side continued to push forward and Aluko released Lee Wallace down the left and he squared across goal for Healy but Craigan was able to intercept and clear before the Northern Irishman could connect.

The breakthrough came after 35 minutes when Maurice Edu slotted into the path of Healy, who turned and fired into the back of the net from six yards out.

Motherwell threw Omar Daley and Chris Humphrey into the action for the second half but Rangers still looked more likely to find the back of the net again. Wallace was denied by an impressive save from Randolph before Tom Hateley then came to the rescue to clear a Carlos Bocanegra header off the line.

But Motherwell could not prevent Rangers from doubling their advantage after 55 minutes when Aluko collected a short pass from Healy and rifled past Randolph to claim his first goal for the club.

There was no way back for Motherwell when Rangers netted their third of the day with 73 minutes gone. Aluko had a go from a tight angle and the effort was touched away from goal by Randolph but the ball fell for Wallace and his shot was deflected into the back of the net by Craigan.

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