Tavernier hails Rangers’ resilience

RANGERS 2 MOTHERWELL 1

James Tavernier believes Rangers got their reward for battling to the end against Motherwell on Saturday.

The Ibrox side struggled to break down Mark McGhee’s well-organised Well lineup and looked set for more frustration at home following the draw with Hamilton in their Ladbrokes Premiership opener earlier this month.

But, after Harry Forrester had cancelled out former Celtic hitman Scott McDonald’s strike for the Steelmen, veteran Scotland striker Kenny Miller snatched a 2-1 victory for the Light Blues with his stoppage-time clincher.

Tavernier says it was deserved on the basis of Gers’ determination to attack.

He told Rangers TV: “It’s always great to win a game in that fashion. We knew it wasn’t the greatest from us but to play to the end knowing we were wearing them down and creating chances was great, and the place just erupted when the goal went in.

“It showed the great resilience we have to be able to win in the 90th minute.”

ABERDEEN 2 PARTICK THISTLE 1

Derek McInnes admits Aberdeen needed a win against Partick to boost confidence ahead of next weekend’s trip to Celtic.

Although unbeaten in their previous two league games, both had been 0-0 draws and there was a feeling something had to give.

Niall McGinn’s stunning 27th-minute free-kick brought a wave of relief and Miles Storey’s first goal for the club seemed to have the Dons firmly in control.

Sean Welsh was sent off in the closing stages for Thistle – an indiscretion that is likely to earn him a fine – before substitute Chris Erskine, the former Dundee United midfielder, netted a consolation.

“It was important we won,” McInnes said.

“I saw the first hour of the St Johnstone game and they (Celtic) were terrific, really difficult to contain.

“Brendan (Rodgers) has got their mojo back and they’re playing with a lot of confidence. I think they’ll take some stopping, but the challenge for us and every other team in the league is to try to do that.”

HEARTS 5 INVERNESS CT 1

Captain Don Cowie inspired Hearts to their first Premiership win of the season after scoring twice in a 5-1 thrashing of Inverness.

The former Caley midfielder scored either side of a Conor Sammon header before Sam Nicholson grabbed a late brace. Caley got on the scoresheet in the dying stages through Ross Draper.

A Liam Boyce double clinched a 2-0 win for Ross County over Kilmarnock.