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Rangers move one step closer to title Posted: 07 May 2011 11:26 AM PDT GLASGOW: Rangers took a massive step towards defending their Scottish Premier League title after opening up a four-point gap on rivals Celtic with a comfortable 4-0 win over ten-men Hearts at Ibrox yesterday. New Rangers owner Craig Whyte, who bought former chairman Sir David Murray's controlling share in the club on Friday, watched from the stands as his side raced into a 3-0 half-time lead through goals from Nikica Jelavic, Kyle Lafferty and Steven Davis. Hearts' Eggert Jonsson was shown a straight red just after the hour mark for a crude challenge on Jelavic before a Ryan Stevenson own goal in the 83rd minute sealed the win.
Rangers manager Walter Smith was delighted with the manner of his side's win. "I felt both teams started very well in the game and it was quite an open match," said Smith, who is retiring at the end of the season.
Jim Jefferies felt his side had been unlucky to find themselves so far behind at the break. "Credit to Rangers they took their chances when they came along. That is the difference if you get the first goal," the Hearts boss said.
Rangers stuck to the same starting 11 for the third match running with Lee McCulloch claiming a place on the bench after a long injury layoff. RESULTS: Aberdeen 0 St Johnstone 2, Dundee United 4 Motherwell 0, Hamilton 1 Hibernian 0, Inverness CT 1 St Mirren 0, Rangers 4 Hearts 0. -- AFP |
Posted: 07 May 2011 11:26 AM PDT 2011/05/08 THERE is little room for error in the tight Super League title battle as both Kelantan and Selangor successfully came through tricky home games on Friday. Kelantan did not let a disputed disallowed goal distract them in a 2-0 win over Kedah in Kota Baru while Selangor survived a few anxious moments as they edged Johor FC 3-2 in Shah Alam. With eight games remaining, Kelantan lead Selangor on goal difference with both sides on 39 points while Terengganu are a point behind after romping past Kuala Lumpur 4-0 in Kuala Terengganu.
It was just reward for Kelantan whose domination of the game probably deserved more than two goals, according to coach M. Karathu. "We had a lot possession in the first half and were dominating the game. We played well and deserved the goals which came in the second half," said Karathu.
The top two will clash in an eagerly awaited FA Cup semi-final tie on Thursday and May 16 but Selangor coach K. Devan is looking no further than tomorrow's trip to Alor Star. "We are going to Alor Star if possible to pick up the three points and at the very least get a draw. It is only after that can we focus on the FA Cup," said Devan after nervously watching his side stave off Johor FC at the Shah Alam Stadium.
Perak coach Norizan Bakar said with games coming up so quickly, there is little time to recover which resulted in his team losing steam in a 0-0 draw with Pahang at the Perak Stadium in Ipoh. "We will be playing again on Monday when we go to Shah Alam to face Young Tigers A. I'll have to take a look at my players and see who to rest and if anyone needs to recuperate," said Norizan. Young Tigers, who did not have a match last Tuesday, appeared to benefit little from the rest in a lacklustre 2-0 defeat to Felda United in Cheras. Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by USA Best Price. |
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