Glasgow Rangers 2 Kilmarnock 0

Last updated : 13 February 2004 By Footymad Previewer

Rangers sealed their second 2-0 victory over Kilmarnock in the space of four days thanks to a workmanlike performance.

The visitors never seriously threatened the Ibrox outfit and failed to put the Rangers defence under any serious pressure.

Rangers had a soft penalty claim turned down inside the opening ten minutes.

Nuno Capucho played a pass through to Michael Mols who controlled the ball with his back to goal.

The Dutchman toppled to the ground under a challenge from Barry McLaughlin but the referee had no hesitation in waving play on.

Rangers took the lead midway through the first half after Kilmarnock failed to deal with the free-kick played into the box from the left flank by Fernando Ricksen.

Colin Nish knocked the ball towards his own goal and Ibrox skipper Craig Moore was on hand to knock the ball over the line from close range.

The reigning SPL champions should have doubled their lead on the half hour mark but Christian Nerlinger headed wide at the back post.

Killie's possession in the final third of the pitch was severely restricted in the first half. The Rugby Park outfit were restricted to a solitary Kris Boyd effort from 25 yards, which was deflected wide of the target.

Both sides fired in long-range efforts at the start of the second half. Nerlinger shot wide from 25 yards for Rangers before Kilmarnock's DannyIinvincibile hit a low effort straight at Stefan Klos from the edge of the area.

Emerson went close to scoring on his return to the Rangers team after a two- month absence, but the Brazilian's low effort was well held by Francois Dubourdeau low to his right-hand side.

Just as Rangers were starting to look comfortable, Kille almost snatched a shock equaliser when Garry Hay sent a 30-yard effort crashing off the crossbar with Klos beaten.

Sub Hamed Namouchi made sure of the points for Rangers with the decisive second goal of the evening. Man of the match Emerson slid the ball through to Namouchi on the corner of the box and he netted low into the far corner of the net.