I knew Lafferty would score big goals, that’s why he’s here: Gerrard

CONTINUED FROM BACK

Rangers found themselves behind for the first time since Gerrard took over after three minutes when Danny Johnson pounced on a slip by Connor Goldson to lob Allan McGregor.

The visitors hit back when Lafferty grabbed his first goal since returning from Hearts and added a second as he cancelled out McHugh’s header.

Rangers completed the turnaround when an Ejaria strike spilled through goalkeeper Trevor Carson’s hands, only for Hartley to settle things.

“I’m bitterly disappointed with the timing of the equaliser,” said Gerrard, who shot down reports linking him with Ryan Gauld and Nathan Dyer.

“It obviously hurts that little bit more that late.

“I thought we defended very well to their style in open play for the majority of the game.

“But we’ve got work to do defending set-plays, that’s for sure.

“The first goal was an unlucky one obviously. I’ve been there myself so I feel for Connor on that one.

“As for Lafferty. That’s exactly why we brought him here. We knew he was capable of scoring important goals and a volume of goals in this league.”

There was more than a hint of irony that it was Hartley who grabbed the equaliser for ’Wellafter he was made to retract comments made in the build-up.

The defender said it had been “fun to watch” Cardoso “weeping” after the Portuguese defender suffered a broken nose in a clash with ’Well frontman Ryan Bowman last term.

But boss Stephen Robinson said: “Actions speak louder than words. I prefer he did that rather than say what he did.

“He has apologised and accepted he made a mistake. That’s the way to do it.”