Lafferty shines in Gers win

Steven Davis
12 April 2012

Kyle Lafferty netted only his third goal of the season as Rangers moved to within potentially two games of wrapping up the Clydesdale Bank Premier League title with a 3-1 win over Aberdeen.

Lafferty's previous contributions against Aberdeen may have been somewhat dubious - namely the 'cheating' tag he earned for a feigned headbutt last season - but he made the headlines for the right reasons at Ibrox on Wednesday night.

Lafferty's effort was sandwiched between strikes from Steven Davis and Kenny Miller, with a Darren Mackie goal nothing more than scant consolation for the Dons as Rangers moved 13 points clear at the top of the table.

There were a few meaty challenges from both sides early on and Davide Grassi picked up the first booking after just nine minutes for a crunching tackle on Lee McCulloch but Rangers could not capitalise on the resultant free-kick with Davis failing to find a blue jersey in the packed goalmouth.

The home side continued to press and a long ball from David Weir found Lafferty in space in the box but he connected awkwardly and hooked over from just outside the six-yard box.

Rangers' hard work eventually paid off when they surged into the lead with 24 minutes gone. Maurice Edu did well to win possession before Naismith prodded into the path of Davis who left Jamie Langfield with no chance when he unleashed a ferocious shot from 25 yards.

Davis attempted to turn provider after the restart when his cross picked out Lafferty only for the big Northern Irishman to nod over.

But he had the net bulging after 65 minutes when he collected from Davis and went on a surging run into the box before slotting low into the bottom corner of the net.

But the Dons pulled a goal back just three minutes later when Steven MacLean dinked a cross over Rangers goalkeeper Allan McGregor and Mackie beat Steven Whittaker to the ball to slide over the line.

Those celebrations were short-lived and hopes of a Dons comeback were dealt a blow as Rangers claimed their third of the night with 15 minutes to go. A Davis corner found Danny Wilson and the youngster nodded on for Miller to lash beyond the grasp of Langfield and all but secure the points for Walter Smith's men.

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