Strong first half but poor defending costs Hearts

It was another early kick-off at Tynecastle but this score-line will not be remembered fondly by the Hearts fans.

Rangers took another step to securing the Clydesdale Bank Premier League title with a 4-1 win at Tynecastle. A strong second half, followed a good start from Hearts, in particular after Danny Wilson had given the visitors an early lead.

Jamie MacDonald, Suso Santana and Marius Zaliukus returned to the starting line-up for Hearts. Balogh, Zucharski and Driver all missed out through injury.

Rangers scored after four minutes. Kevin Thomson swung a free-kick into the box and Danny Wilson headed across goal into the net to put the away side a goal up.

Hearts had the ball in the back of the net a few minutes later when Palazuelos played the ball into the box to Gary Glen, the young striker flicked it past McGregor but the linesman had his flag up early for off-side.

Again more link up play from Palazuelos and Glen almost led to a Hearts equaliser. The Spanish midfielder played a clever ball into Glen near the goal line, the youngster unleashed a powerful shot which McGregor parried back into play. Glen followed up but his ball across the box was cleared.

It wasn't long before Hearts got their equaliser. Palazuelos directed a long ball towards Glen who headed on. Sasa Papac should have cleared but miss-hit and Suso was on hand to hit the ball on the volley and send it flying past McGregor. The Hearts fans were delighted and Suso probably won't score a better goal.

A couple minutes later Rangers were up the other end of the park attacking. Steven Davis had the ball at the edge of the box and didn't look to be in a dangerous position but he hit a long range effort which was brilliant saved by MacDonald who pushed it out for a corner.

Both teams were playing attacking minded football and Rangers had two great opportunities to take the lead in the 30th minute. Kenny Miller played a great ball through the box to Kris Boyd. It looked like he would slot the ball into the net but Jamie MacDonald was quick off his line to push the ball away. It fell to Miller whose shot was well saved.

However just thirty seconds later they took the lead again, Steven Naismith's shot ricocheted off the bar into the path off Kenny Miller who headed into the net to put the score at 2-1 to Rangers.

In the 41st minute Rangers had a penalty claim turned down. A free-kick into the box from Kevin Thomson was blocked by Palazuelos and the entire Rangers team claimed a hand ball. The referee waved "play on" - which clearly aggrieved the away side.

Straight after half-time the score changed again when Rangers increased their lead. A defensive error by Hearts led to the goal. Zaliukus headed the ball into the path of Whittaker, he passed to Naismith on the left whose shot went past MacDonald into the goal.

Hearts nearly got one back a couple minutes later when a cross into the box from Jason Thomson landed perfectly for David Obua to head towards goal but his effort was straight at Allan McGregor.

In the 57th minute the home team came close again when a corner from Larry Kingston was swung into the head of Zaliukus. His powerful header caused Allan Mcgregor to stretch and tip the ball over the bar for a corner.

The game lost a bit of it's pace following Ranges third goal and Jim Jefferies decided the team needed a change. Scott Robinson was brought on for Gary Glen who had run himself into the ground during his 69 minutes on the park.

Hearts were trying to push for another goal but Rangers were closing them down at the earliest opportunity and denying them any attacking options.

The Glasgow side were still pushing for a fourth goal and it came in the 76th minute. Rangers won a free kick twenty yards out; Kevin Thomson again swung it in to the bag post to the head of Steven Naismith who didn't hesitate in heading it into the goal.

A few minutes from time Hearts had the chance to pull a goal back. Persistent play from substitute David Templeton down the left enabled him to cross the ball into the feet of Scott Robinson, it looked as if he would just have to tap the ball into the net but he got underneath it and sent it high over the bar. It was easier to score. It just wasn't Hearts day.

Hearts: MacDonald; Thomson (C Thomson 51), Jonsson, Zaliukas, Wallace; Suso, Kingston, Black (Templeton, 76), Palazuelos; Obua, Glen (Robinson, 69). Subs not used: Ridgers, Nade, Stevenson, Smith,

Rangers: McGregor; Whittaker, Weir, Wilson, Papac; Davis (Smith, 80), Thomson, McCulloch (Edu, 62), Naismith; Boyd, Miller (Novo, 83). Subs not used: Alexander, Beasley,Little, Fleck.

Referee: Calum Murray

Top man: Lee Wallace

Hearts World