Rangers moved up to third in the Scottish Premiership with a nervy and narrow victory over Hibernian at Ibrox.
In a game bereft of much quality in the forward areas, a fine first-half header from defender Emmanuel Fernandez, from Dujon Sterling’s excellent cross, was the difference between the sides after Hibs failed to make their early dominance count.
Substitute Djeidi Gassama thought he had added a second, stroking away Mohamed Diomande’s excellent through ball, only to be frustrated by a flag for offside.
Hibernian’s Warren O’Hora had a header hacked off the line with the game goalless, while substitute Thibault Klidje had a late effort blocked.
At the other end, Easter Road keeper Raphael Sallinger pulled off two good saves late on to deny Youssef Chermiti and Mohamed Diomande.
The victory maintains Danny Rohl’s undefeated Premiership record since becoming head coach and delivered the result, if perhaps not the performance, the German was looking for after the disappointing Europa League defeat to Ferencvaros.
It was a match of relatively few chances which provided a crucial win nonetheless for the Ibrox side if they’re to have any chance of closing the gap at the top of the table.
The three points keep Rohl’s side within nine points of league leaders Hearts, with a game in hand, before the pair face off at Tynecastle on Sunday.
For Hibs, frustration that their enterprising play throughout most of the match failed to yield a goal, or indeed really a clear-cut chance, with the opportunity to leapfrog their hosts passing the capital club by.
