Queen Of The South vs Rangers. Scottish Championship.
Palmerston ParkAttendance5,449.
Monday 22 February 2016 07:04, UK
Rangers extended their lead at the top of the Scottish Championship back to eight points after Kenny Miller came off the bench to secure a 1-0 win at Queen of the South on Sunday.
Hibernian's 3-0 home win over Alloa earlier in the afternoon briefly reduced the gap between them and Mark Warburton's men, but substitute Miller notched up his 100th goal in Scottish league football just four minutes after replacing Nicky Clark.
Miller was first to react to a throw-in and his looping shot found the corner of the net as Doonhamers goalkeeper Jim Atkinson looked on.
The hosts caused problems throughout the game though and went close to opening the scoring after five minutes when Derek Lyle's header from a corner was well saved by Wes Foderingham.
Atkinson was called into action to push away Andy Halliday's curled shot before denying Clark with a shot from close range.
Queen of the South lost lively striker Lyle to injury but they continued to press forward and struck the crossbar five minutes before the break when a deflected 25-yard left-footed shot from Lewis Kidd bounced back off the woodwork with Foderingham rooted to the spot.
But Foderingham was able to keep out an effort from Jake Pickard with his legs before Miller then pounced to score what proved to be the winner on 64 minutes.
The Doonhamers defence were slow to close down Miller and after allowing the ball to bounce, he fired in a shot that looked to be going over until a late dip saw it drop into the net.
Queen of the South continued to press, with Ryan Conroy whipping a dipping 20-yard free-kick over the wall which Foderingham got across well to save.
Foderingham then saved from Oliver, with Kidd firing the rebound over the bar.
Rangers went close to a second goal five minutes from time when a powerful shot from Jason Holt went through Atkinson's hands before smashing against the crossbar.
Doonhamers defender Chris Higgins then saw an angled header from a corner kept out by Foderingham and their final opportunity to equalise came and went when Andy Dowie got above his marker at a free-kick, only to head onto the roof of the net.
