Rangers close in on Scotish title with victory over Dundee

GLASGOW: Rangers closed to within three wins of a first Scotish Premiership title in 10 years by thrashing Dundee United 4-1 on Sunday to open up an 18-point lead over Celtic.

Steven Gerrard’s men showed no sign of fatigue from a thrilling 4-3 win over Royal Antwerp in the first leg of their Europa League last 32 tie on Thursday as three goals in 13 minutes either side of half-time ensured a comfortable aternoon at Ibrox.

Ianis Hagi opened the scoring when he deflected Joe Aribo’s shot home 10 minutes before the break.

Ryan Kent quickly killed the game as a contest as his volley took a deflection on its way in.

Aribo’s stunning strike made it 3-0 before Rangers were gited a fourth when United goalkeeper Benjamin Siegrist’s clearance rebounded in off Alfredo Morelos.

Moments later Morelos was brought down for a penalty, but Siegrist made amends to deny Borna Barisic from the spot.

Rangers conceded for just the second time in 15 home league games this season four minutes from time when Mark Mcnulty pulled a consolation back for the visitors. Celtic can cut the gap at the top back to 15 points when they travel to Ross County.

But the Hoops chase of their Glasgow rivals looks a forlorn one and Rangers could seal the title when the two meet at Celtic Park next month.

Motherwell were thumped 3-0 at home by St Johnstone. They have now lost two games in a row with an aggregate scoreline of 7-1.

And Saturday’s insipid showing let them five points behind their Perth opposition in ninth place in the Scotish Premiership.

There is ‘no magic fairy to sprinkle dust’ on Motherwell, says boss Graham Alexander, ater his side defeat.

“We didn’t compete at the right level, pass at the right level, run at the right level,” Alexander said.

“It’s a bad combination when you’re going into a competitive game against a good team and we didn’t show any of the things we needed to win a game of football.

“There’s no magic fairy to come and sprinkle dust on us and all of a sudden we’re this super, wonderful team. It has to be hard work and commitment. That’s real clear and real simple.”

Guy me lamed scored twice as the visitors provided the perfect prelude to next Sunday’s Scotish League Cup final, with captain Jason Kerr also neting.

Shorn of a slew of key players, the hosts were toothless in atack and slapdash in defence, and have lost their past two games with an aggregate scoreline of 7-1.