Rangers 2
Dundee 1
League (Premier Division)

Match Report

Newspaper extract from The Courier .

Dundee narrowly failed to consolidate their tremendous record at Ibrox last night. But it took a late goal by Rangers' defender Dave McPherson to keep both points at Ibrox after Dundee had snatched an equaliser against the run of play.

On the whole, Rangers deserved a hatful of goals against the Dens Parkers who struggled to string passes together in the 'Gers half of the field.

In a dismal first half Jocky Scott's side's motive was clear-to soak up as much Rangers pressure as possible and then hit on the break.

The tactic almost came off in the 16th minute when an lan Angus cross from the left was rocketed over the bar by Vince Mennie as he stood in space on the 18-yard line.

Rangers, however, were the dominating force and went close on two occasions. The first time, McCoist failed to connect with a superb cross from Durrant and the second time he narrowly headed over from close range.

The two Jims, Duffy and Smith, seemed to be coping admirably in the centre of the Dens defence but disaster'struck in 38 minutes when Rangers were awarded a penalty.

A midfield collision between Rafferty and Mennie laid the ball on to Davie Cooper. His inch-perfect pass landed at the feet of McCoist who was immediately upended by lan Angus as he homed in on goal.

The ferocious spot kick from Cooper looked destined for the back of the net but Bobby Geddes made an incredible save, diving to his left and pawing the ball round the post.

With a minute to half-time the home side finally broke the deadlock. From a Fraser free kick, Butcher headed across goal for Ally McCoist to slip the ball home from six yards.

Dundee brought on young Lee Davidson in place of Vince Mennie at the start of the second half. But although the winger showed some nice touches he didn't get enough of the ball to achieve much.

Rangers were creating chance after chance but they were all squandered by virtually every member of the home side's midfield and attack.

Dundee's first real chance of the game came in 82 minutes. A lovely through ball from lan Angus found Ross Jack and he in turn sent it to Rab Shannon who smashed the ball home from the edge of the box.

That goal silenced the Ibrox crowd and Dundee looked to be going back home with a point.

Immediately after the equaliser Rangers replaced Dougie Bell with Ted McMinn in the hope that his unpredictable style would bring a late winner. The winner did come, although not from big Ted, and the scorer was Dave McPherson in 87 minutes to the relief of the Rangers' fans.

Three players were booked, Rafferty and Harvey for Dundee and Fraser for Rangers.