Molde 0 Rangers 0: McGregor's heroics in goal keep options open for Rangers

Rangers were held to a goalless draw by the Norwegian club Molde in the Uefa Cup last night, leaving them a tougher return leg at Ibrox.

Rangers were expected to beat a side who only managed to drag themselves off the bottom of their league on Saturday, but it was Molde who felt aggrieved by the result after a penalty claim was refused, and they had the better chances.

There was little for Rangers to be pleased about in the opening half as Molde should have taken the lead in the first five minutes. And it was Molde who started the stronger after the break. Only the heroics of the goalkeeper Allan McGregor prevented Rangers returning home trailing by a goal.

The Rangers manager Paul Le Guen was confident his team would progress to the group stages. "We must be aware that it will be a difficult next game but we are still optimistic," he said.

Molde: Larsen; Andreasson, Kallio, Berg Hestad, Hoseth, Ohr, Rudi, Rindaroy (Strande, 71), Grande, Mavric, Konate (Diouf, 82). Substitutes not used Lillebakk, Gjerde, Moster, Mohamed.

Rangers: McGregor; Smith, Svensson, Rodriguez, Bardsley, Martin, Ferguson (Clement, 76), Hemdani, Sionko (Prso, 65), Buffel (Burke, 67), Boyd. Substitutes not used: Robinson (gk), Hutton, Sebo, Adam.

Referee: J Granat (Poland).