Rangers held to draw at home

Rangers held to draw at home

Published May. 5, 2012 1:00 a.m. ET

Rangers' final game at Ibrox this season ended in stalemate as they were held to a goalless draw by Motherwell in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.

The club had dedicated the match to the fans - with the number 12 jersey to be retired from next season in honour of the support - but the Light Blues faithful left without the win they craved.

 

As well as taking a point from this clash, third-placed Motherwell also claim the Champions League spot which has been denied administration-hit Rangers next term.

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Rangers made one change from the side who thrashed Dundee United 5-0 midweek for the visit of Well.

 

Salim Kerkar missed out with an ankle problem and was replaced by Lee McCulloch, who recovered from the knock that restricted him to a late substitute appearance against United.

 

Motherwell also made a single change after beating Hearts, with Henrik Ojamaa replacing the injured Michael Higdon.

Rangers had the best of the chances early on and Sone Aluko set up McCulloch for the shot inside the box in the opening minutes but his effort was blocked by Tom Hateley.

Kyle Bartley then had a go from the edge of the area but goalkeeper Darren Randolph was untroubled as the shot dipped just over the crossbar.

The home side continued to push forward in search of the opener and McCulloch's cutback was collected by Aluko but his tame shot was gathered by Randolph.

Rangers were forced to make a change after just half an hour when Dorin Goian limped off, with what looked like a knee problem, and was replaced by Ross Perry.

Motherwell then carved out a couple of half-chances and Ojamaa did well to round goalkeeper Allan McGregor but opted to play the pass rather than have a shot at goal himself.

With five goals to enjoy on Wednesday night, Rangers fans grew restless as the home side failed to convert their superior possession into a goal before the break.

Both teams looked livelier after the restart and Steven Whittaker tested Randolph, before McGregor was called into action to block a low shot from Keith Lasley.

Whittaker then attempted to turn provider with a cross for McCulloch but the big utility man nodded wide of target.

Motherwell had a decent chance when Chris Humphrey burst into the box and tried to set up the shot for Jamie Murphy in front of goal but Perry managed to clear the danger.

At the other end, Randolph stood tall to block one on one from Lee Wallace.

Rangers made a double change when Andy Little and Alejandro Bedoya were thrown into the action in place of Jamie Ness and Rhys McCabe.

The Glasgow giants should have opened the scoring when Aluko's corner was met by Carlos Bocanegra but Little inadvertently blocked the header from finding the back of the net.

Maurice Edu pounced on the rebound but Randolph was up to the task again with another fine save.

Rangers claimed for a penalty when Little went to ground in the box but the pleas were ignored by referee Willie Collum as the match ended goalless.

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