Dundee Utd 0
Rangers 1
League (Premier Division)

Match Report

When the rain started cascading down to coincide with the start of the match, it revived memories of the awful conditions in which Rangers first visit of the season took place, but the rain last Saturday became more intermittent. Last December we more than deserved the draw we secured and if justice had been done we would again have taken a point from Rangers second visit of the season. Instead, a Trevor Steven goal gave Rangers victory and confirmed the Ibrox side as Scottish League champions for the 40th time. We certainly had the best chances during the first half. On the half hour mark, Woods inexplicably threw the ball straight out to Jim McInally and after steadying himself, Jim sent in a shot which Woods tipped round the post to atone himself for that poor throw out. From the corner which ensued Mixu Paatelainen had a free header, but directed his effort well over the bar. Eight minutes from half-time a rehearsed free-kick went totally wrong, but the ball ultimately landed in the path of Hamish French who was denied by a desperate clearance.

Two minutes after the interval Woods was called into action again when he had to scamper across his goal to push Billy McKinlay's curling shot from the edge of the box around the post. In the 57th minute Rangers got the goal which was to clinch the championship, Munro flighting over a cross to the far post where Trevor Steven sent a header into the far post. A couple of minutes later we were a bit unfortunate not to equalise when Alex Cleland's shot was deflected by Mixu Paatelainen, but only straight into the arms of Woods. With 20 minutes left substitute John O'Neil netted, but the goal was ruled out by an offside decision. From there on Rangers were content to ensure they hang on to their lead so they could begin their championship celebrations.