Rangers 2-0 Hearts

Aug 17 2008 Mark Guidi At Ibrox

DESPITE spending every penny of the Carlos Cuellar money before kick-off, Walter Smith was still confronted by a fans' protest banner with the words "We Deserve Better". But even Rangers' most disgruntled critics would admit yesterday was a big improvement on recent performances.

Part of the s8million received for Spanish defender Cuellar was spent on bringing in Pedro Mendes.

And the Portuguese playmaker deservedly won Man of the Match for helping make his team click for chunks of the game.

He earned deserved applause from the Ibrox crowd - who will also be anticipating the arrival of new signings Steve Davis and Maurice Edu who make up the balance of last week's Cuellar windfall.

Smith's side won thanks to goals from Kyle Lafferty and a Kris Boyd penalty - while Hearts had Saulius Mikoliunas red carded in the second half for two bookings.

But Mendes was the stand-out. He has a good first touch, played a couple of fine cushioned passes and his boundless energy clearly rubbed off on some of his team-mates.

He enjoyed his debut and said: "I got a fantastic reception from the fans and that was good.

"I enjoyed the game and it was nice to win. I hope we can finish top of the league this season to bring Champions League football to Ibrox next year.

"Rangers have good players and the manager is trying to bring in a few more to take us forward and win trophies."

Davie Weir was back from suspension to captain the side and slotted in at the centre of defence beside Madjid Bougherra.

Mendes was given his debut after his s3million transfer from Portsmouth and handed the task of trying to carve open the Jambos defence.

Last week at Falkirk, there was little creativity from the midfield four and that made it a tough shift for the front pairing of Boyd and Andrius Velicka.

Smith gave that partnership another chance to blossom but frankly they didn't do themselves any favours.

There was little chemistry and their passing wasn't accurate enough. However, they linked in the 11th minute to set up a decent chance. Velicka's flick set up the Scotland striker.

He tried to lob Jamie MacDonald from inside the box but his effort lacked conviction and it was an easy save for the keeper.

That came during a period Gers played at a high tempo, Mendes always demanding the ball and looking to pick a killer pass.

But the early enthusiasm disappeared and Hearts became comfortable.

They were also were well organised, with skipper Christophe Berra again in good form.

However, the Gorgie men rarely threatened and seemed unable to string more than three passes together. Rangers also were disappointing in possession and seemed to miss having a natural wide man on the pitch to give them the all-important out-ball.

But that mattered not a jot when they took the lead in the 38th minute through Lafferty, who started the game wide left.

Bougherra showed commendable perseverance on the right to gain possession and rolled a cutback into the heart of the area.

There were no takers until it came to Lafferty, 15 yards out. He showed impressive composure to place a right-foot shot that flew low past MacDonald.

The game needed that goal to bring it back to life and provoke Hearts into providing their fair share of entertainment and make it more of a contest.

The second half quickly burst into life and MacDonald saved again from Boyd.

Hearts counter-attacked and Allan McGregor had to make a double save to deny Andrew Driver and Andrius Ksanavicius.

Smith was forced to make two changes when Lafferty and Lee McCulloch both limped off.

DaMarcus Beasley and Kenny Miller replaced them - cue for an element of the Gers support to rain boos at the Scot's introduction.

Beasley should have scored in the 67th minute but opted to square the ball rather than shoot when he was one-one-one with MacDonald.

Mikoliunas was then sent packing, pretty much ending the Tynecastle club's hopes of leaving with anything.

They did appeal for a penalty with three minutes left, claiming Bougherra had handled when blocking a Driver shot.

It never looked a spot-kick but there was no denying the claims for Gers when Miller was brought down by Lee Wallace.

Boyd took the kick and drilled his shot low past MacDonald to the right hand side.

Boyd needed that goal. He looked short of confidence yesterday.

And Gers will need him on form if Mendes is to get his wish of Champions League football.

REF WATCH

STUART DOUGAL had a very good game. Always comfortable and in control, the experienced whistler let the game flow. He had to call a couple of tough decisions but was never found wanting and there were few complaints. He can be well pleased. Rating: 7/10.

MATCH STATS

RANGERS

Shots on 7

Shots off 8

Fouls 3

Offside 12

Corners 1

Booking 1

HEARTS

Shots on 5

Shots off 2

Fouls 1

Offside 13

Corners 4

Booking 2

Taken from the Sunday Mail