Smith

By FOS Editor
May 10 2011

Rangers win over Dundee Utd tonight has edged them closer to the League title, while Hamilton’s defeat at Perth confirms their relegation.

Two goals from Lafferty and Jelavic mid way through the first half at Ibrox settled the nerves for Rangers on Walter Smith’s last game in charge at Ibrox.

This leaves Rangers with two chances of clinching the title for the third year in a row. If Celtic lose at Tynecastle on Wednesday night it will be all over, if not a Rangers win at Rugby Park on Sunday will clinch.

Watching the game tonight I don’t think any one will doubt Rangers were tested by Dundee Utd (who had the bulk of second half pressure) but their greater determination to land the title saw them through. This sparked scenes of celebration at the full time whistle. Those in red, white and blue will have to hope these aren’t premature celebrations.

At the other end of the table results didn’t go for Hamilton Accies and their relegation was finally confirmed. The Accies fell behind to a penalty on 30 minutes, Mark McLaughlin fouled Andy Jackson and was shown a red card for denying a goal scoring opportunity.

Liam Craig took the penalty and left Cerny helpless to put the pressure on the Accies, but with St. Mirren taking the lead at Pittodrie they were left with a mountain to climb.

The Accies seemed to have accepted their fate for weeks now, and can now get on with the task of building a squad to get them back out of the First Division at the first attempt.

They may well be the best equipped team to do this given they have never really stretched their playing budget during their three years in the SPL, and therefore may not have to cut back too far.