Mark Warburton pleased with Rangers response in win over Hibernian
Tuesday 29 December 2015 13:26, UK
Mark Warburton praised his Rangers players who responded to recent criticism by opening a three-point lead at the top of the Scottish Championship table with a 4-2 over nearest rivals Hibernian.
Jason Holt netted twice for the Gers before the break after Jason Cummings had chipped the visitors in front.
Nicky Clark made it 3-1, before Dominique Malonga scored Hibernian's second but Martyn Waghorn wrapped it up all three points for Warburton's side with a composed finish.
The hosts were reduced to 10 men when Andy Halliday was sent off 20 minutes from time and Warburton said: "I felt the first goal went against the run of play but it was a great response from the boys.
"There's been a few comments about our team. We lack a spine I was told by a certain outlet during the week.
"Well I think we answered all the questions today, without a doubt.
"We knew Hibs are a very strong opponent who had been on a good run of form. But I thought we delivered a very good performance to get the three points.
"There was no extra motivation. When you've got 50,000 people here there is no need for motivation.
"We had a responsibility to perform here. It's a mini-crisis when we draw a game. But sometimes the ball doesn't drop your way.
"The last two games we didn't deserve to drop points but we more than answered those questions today."
His opposite number at Easter Road, Alan Stubbs, remained positive despite losing in the league for the first time since August.
He added: "I think we will respond to this. We could have done better with at least two of the goals today but congratulations to Rangers.
"They won but it's just another three points. Now we move on. Today is not going to affect us. We've done fantastically - 17 games unbeaten.
"This was going to happen eventually but I can assure you it is not going to affect us. There is a long way to go."
