Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
RANGERS’ RELIEF IS PALPABLE
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MALIK TILLMAN’S second-half strike gave Rangers a narrow cinch Premiership win over Hearts at
Ibrox and eased some pressure on Giovanni van Bronckhorst (inset).
Frustration was never far from the surface as the Govan side struggled to get through to Jambos keeper Craig Gordon.
In the 18th minute winger Ryan Kent, whose start to the game had not impressed the home fans, took a James Sands pass inside the box and squared for John Lundstram but the midfielder curled his shot over the bar.
Hearts, with veteran Robert Snodgrass pulling the strings in midfield, looked unruffled as the game continued.
Just after the halfhour mark, Gers’ top scorer Antonio Colak guided a corner from captain James Tavernier straight to the grateful Gordon, who made a better save at the feet of the Croatia striker minutes later for a corner, which was defended.
Scott Arfield replaced Sands for the start of the second half and, within two minutes, Gordon made a save from Tillman from close range, the corner again proving fruitless.
At the other end, Ginnelly fizzed the ball across the six-yard box which evaded Andy Halliday, who was soon replaced by another ex-ranger, Mckay.
The Gers fans’ groans grew in volume.
Colak forced a save from Gordon with a decent shot but when leftback Borna Barisic took a Kent pass and laid the ball back for Tillman, the Scotland keeper had no chance with the low drive and the cheers were laced with relief.
Alfredo Morelos immediately replaced Colak and the Tynecastle side began to press for the leveller.
However, in the 75th minute, Tillman set up Morelos eight yards from goal but his shot went straight to Gordon before the Colombia striker sent a shot from the edge of the box past the post.
Back came Hearts hunting for the equaliser and again nerves began to fray but Rangers saw the game out for a welcome win.