Rampant Rangers destroy hopeless Hearts

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A game that gave us reminisces of the dark days of Scottish football, the time between 1998-2004, when you were satisfied if you only lost 2-0 to one of the Old Firm. Such was the dominance of Rangers this evening, we would advise a health warning if you want to read on. Two from Darcheville, two from his replacement Novo, and almost no efforts at goal from Hearts. The loss of Andrius Velicka is already being felt.

Rangers began the game in the manner of a team that was keen to avenge the outcome of their last meeting here, when they were beaten 4-2 on that splendid day last September. Although they didn't threaten immediately, it was clear that nine league wins on the bounce had done a lot for their confidence.

But Hearts have also been doing well of late - four wins out of five in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League and unbeaten at Tynecastle since Stevie Frail became caretaker manager. Both sides had begun with belief in their own ability to get a result. Goncalves's faith was maybe a little too misplaced, as he registered the first effort at goal on ten minutes. Let's spare his blushes and report simply that Allan McGregor was not too troubled.

Christian Nade battles for the ball

Banks had to work rather harder when he miraculously tipped Naismith's header over the bar from about three yards out. Young Naismith himself was re-directing a powerful header at goal from Cuellar, making the save even more impressive.

It was evident that Hearts were missing Andrius Velicka. Without him to play through or set up, we had problems working out how to get in behind the defence. Passes were going astray and there was no final ball when Rangers were on the back foot. However, it was by no means a disastrous beginning, just not quite as charged as we are used to. And perhaps that was deliberate.

New boy Christian Dailly tried to rival Jose Goncalves for hilarious efforts at goal when he blasted over on 23 minutes. However, he had the last laugh when his side took the lead a moment later.

Suspicions that Palazuelos had been fouled were brushed aside by referee Mr Dougal. Barry Ferguson, back from his spell at the Harlem Globetrotters, flicked the ball over the top of the defence and Jean-Claude Darcheville took a touch before finishing smartly under Banks from a tight angle. It was a cheap goal to lose, but Rangers didn't care and the wild celebrations from their bench proved that fact.

The opening goal for Rangers

It wasn't surprising, as Hearts had shown little of what they could do upfront. Rangers were in control of the game, content to let Hearts have possession before breaking us down in the final third. Barry Ferguson's penalisation for handball, when he probably hadn't broken any rules, was amusing, although on reflection we'd rather the decision had been given a bit earlier. Like, around four weeks earlier.

Calum Elliot registered the first meaningful shot at goal with his left foot when he was crowded out by the away defence. Decent, but never troubling McGregor. Kind of summing up the whole first period really.

Ferguson could have doubled the lead with his low volley that Banks did excellently to palm around the post. He didn't really have a chance from the corner though - appalling defending allowed Naismith to head back across goal and Darcheville somehow evaded the desperate hurling maroon bodies to poke home under the keeper. Desperately poor stuff from the Jambos, who had to find something majestic in the dressing room if they were to have any chance after the break.

The second half brought no immediate respite, it was a slow start from both teams. Rangers won two corners in quick succession, essentially camping out in the home half. Rangers won the game in the 54th minute when some neat play from Ferguson found Whittaker on the left flank. Neilson slipped to let Whittaker into the box and his powerful cross across the face of goal was tapped in well by Novo, who had come on for Darcheville. Ridiculously easy, the easiest Rangers have had it here since they won 4-0 back in September 2003.

Robbie Neilson against Charlie Adam

Ksnavicius, the man who terrorised the Light Blues in September, was finally brought on for Goncalves, showing a fair degree of skill and direct play with his first few touches. To compound our humiliation, Christian Dailly nutmegged a Hearts player - it would be cruel to name names - something he probably hasn't done too many times in his career. We were even making Kirk Broadfoot look good for heaven's sake.

Novo made it four with a backheel. We just can't write any more about it than that, it's too painful. Great skill, to give him credit.

It could have been five when Novo almost found himself through on goal, but excellent defending from Karipidis rescued the situation. But by now, it had got to the stage where even the energetic Ally McCoist, normally a hotbed of passion on the touchline (steady), wasn't bothering to show his displeasure at contentious decisions against his side. He was quite happy, content with what he was watching.

Ruben Palazuelos

Hearts hadn't registered anything on target until Miko fired over on 83 minutes. Optimistic we shall call it, even if it was all we had to go on.

Banks denied Novo in the dying seconds with a good point blank stop at the near post.

Hearts: Banks; Neilson, Karipidis, Berra, Goncalves (Ksnavicius, 55); Cesnauskis (Mikoliunas, 46), Jonsson (Zaliukas, 60), Palazuelos, Wallace; Elliot, Nade. Subs not used: Basso, Ivaskevicius, Mole, Tall.

Rangers: McGregor; Whittaker, Cuellar, Weir, Broadfoot; Naismith, Davis (Thomson, 84), Dailly, Ferguson, Adam; Darcheville (Novo, 46) Subs not used: Alexander, Boyd, Cousin, Furman, Lennon.

Referee: Stuart Dougal

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