Jon McLaughlin’s second-half penalty save helped Rangers secure a 1-0 win at Dundee to remain top of the cinch Premiership. It meant Joe Aribo’s early goal was enough for Steven Gerrard’s champions to get back on track in the division having been held to a draw by Motherwell last weekend, but Hearts are on their coattails thanks in part to Michael Smith, who opened the scoring in their latest win.
Aribo’s fine finish following good work by Alfredo Morelos with 16 minutes played gave Rangers the upper hand at Dens Park but the basement club made life far from straightforward after.
McLaughlin was called into action on several occasions and produced a spot-kick save in the 59th minute when he denied Jason Cummings from 12 yards to earn a narrow success.
Hearts are Rangers’ nearest challengers after they returned to winning ways with a 3-0 victory at home to Livingston. One of only two sides still unbeaten in the division, Michael Smith fired Robbie Neilson’s men in front after 25 minutes with a fierce effort into the corner.
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It was 2-0 soon after when Beni Baningime was fouled inside the area and Liam Boyce tucked away the penalty for his ninth goal of the season. Alex Cochrane wrapped up a fine afternoon for the Jambos just beyond the hour mark when he converted Barrie McKay’s centre to help Hearts bounce back after draws with Hibernian and Ross County earlier this month.
Tony Watt struck a late winner for Motherwell to send them up to third after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Ross County. A thunderbolt from Callum Slattery put Graham Alexander’s side ahead after two minutes but Regan Charles-Cook pegged the hosts back when his cross evaded everyone to find the back of the net with 39 on the clock.
It looked like the contest at Fir Park would end level until Watt was played through and slotted home with 10 minutes left.
