By Pride of Lanarkshire
January 17 2004

Shota Arveladze's strike 8 minutes from time won Rangers maximum points after it looked like Motherwell would go home with a draw. Motherwell made it difficult for their hosts for much of the match but in the end the Georgian's goal gave Rangers an undeserved victory.


Terry Butcher started with the same team for the fourth consecutive match while Craig Moore returned from suspension for the Gers.



Rangers started the better of the two teams and Arveladze should have done better when he volleyed wide afer a neat passing move from Capucho.


Rangers fans thought their side should have been awarded a penalty when Lovenkrands went down under a challenge from Lasley but referee Craig Thompson thought otherwise.


Motherwell striker could have opened the scoring just before half time but his shot didn't trouble Stefan Klos.


The fans at Ibrox witnessed a wonder save from veteran goalkeeper Gordon Marshall 4 minutes into the second half. The 39 year old got down well to keep Arveladze's shot out of the net.



Motherwell had their fair share of possession in the second half but rarely looked like troubling Klos.


Butcher threw on cup hero Scott McDonald for Burns with 15 minutes remaining.



Rangers then hit Motherwell with the sucker punch, a nice exchange between Capucho and Arveladze saw the Georgian chip a stranded Marshall.





Rangers -

Klos,

Khizanishvili,

Berg,

Moore,

Vanoli,

Namouchi (Ross 88),

Malcolm (Mols 63),

Arteta (Nerlinger 59),

Lovenkrands,

Capucho,

Arveladze.





Motherwell -

Marshall,

Corrigan,

Craigan,

Quinn,

Hammell,

Lasley,

Adams,

Leitch (Bollan 86),

Dair,

Clarkson,

Burns (Scott McDonald 74).





Att: 48,925


Ref: C Thomson