Mols pounces twice to dig nervy Rangers out of rut

Rangers 2 Partick Thistle

Rangers have six more hurdles left in their quest to be champions, but Ibrox almost turned into Becher's Brook yesterday until Michael Mols rode to the rescue.

The Dutchman was on the verge of being substituted when he scored two goals and left Partick Thistle ruing costly misses. The win opened up a nine-point lead over Celtic, who have three games in hand. On this evidence, the contenders feel the heat as much as the champions.

Alex McLeish had spoken on Friday of how nerves would be taut with the title race now in the home straight, and his words carried greater weight once Rangers had completed an error-ridden first half.

Without Barry Ferguson, who was one of three players serving a suspension, there was no composure in midfield and the lack of creativity began to wear Rangers down as the half progressed.

Partick Thistle worked like a team eager to avoid returning to the First Division after their promotion last summer, as well as trying to give their manager John Lambie a memory to enjoy when he retires at the end of the season.

Indeed, it was the visitors who carved out the best chances, none more so than Gerry Britton who should have scored in the eighth minute after profiting from a sublime turn by Alex Burns. However, pace is not the veteran forward's strong suit and a sliding tackle from Fernando Ricksen rescued Rangers.

Britton got another sight of goal, following a fine passing movement, but though he once again got behind the Rangers defence, Stefan Klos saved his angled shot.

The sight of their heroes not even offering a shot on goal irked Ibrox. Eventually, Peter Lovenkrands seized on a mistake and rifled a drive that was beaten clear by keeper Kenny Arthur. Mols then got clear and slipped the ball past Arthur but Stephen Craigan got back to hook it off the line.

Barely a minute of the second half had elapsed when Thistle missed another precious chance. Rangers gave the ball away, leaving Burns with just Klos to beat but yet again the German keeper came to his side's rescue.

Rangers began to increase the tempo and exert considerable pressure, which Thistle seemed capable of soaking up until Mols – with his replacement Shota Arveladze waiting on the touchline – finally made the breakthrough. Stephen Hughes won the ball and delivered a cross that Mols thumped into the roof of the net.

Four minutes later, Mols struck again, profiting from a miscontrol to steer an angled shot in off Arthur's far post.

Rangers 2 Partick Thistle 0
Mols 70, 75

Half-time: 0-0 Attendance: 49,472