Gers claim Old Firm glory

Kenny Miller grabbed a dramatic second-half double as Rangers came from behind to win the first Old Firm encounter of the season 3-1 and go three points clear at the top of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.

Gary Hooper's opener just before half-time was cancelled out three minutes into the second half when Hoops' stopper Glenn Loovens put through his own net as he tried to clear Kyle Lafferty's header.

Miller then fired the visitors ahead with a volley in the 55th minute before netting from the spot 10 minutes later after Old Firm debut referee Willie Collum had pointed to the spot when Daniel Majstorovic had fouled Light Blues' substitute Kirk Broadfoot inside the box.

It was statement of intent from the champions, who extended their winning run in the league to nine games while at the same time ending their bitter rivals' winning run in the SPL this season.

All eyes were on referee Collum and it took him only 70 seconds to produce a yellow card for Anthony Stokes, for a crunching challenge on Ibrox defender Sasa Papac. Then, after Steven Whittaker had powered a 20-yard shot off the base of the post, and Steven Naismith had his drive from the rebound blocked, Lee McCulloch was booked for a foul on Hoops' left back Emilio Izaguirre.

Hoops skipper Shaun Maloney went off with concussion in the 14th minute after a clash of heads with Naismith, to be replaced by Efrain Juarez. But the home side were in front just before the interval Ki Sung-yeung's corner from the left came off the head of Whittaker and headed for Hooper. The former Scunthorpe striker quickly brought the ball under control and hammered it past Steven Davis, who was guarding the far post.

Broadfoot replaced Papac at the break and within three minutes the visitors drew with the help of Lafferty, who had been sandwiched to win a free-kick. Davis floated the ball in and his Northern Ireland team-mate headed towards goal, with Loovens only helping it in as he tried to clear.

The home side were the architects of their own downfall again in the 55th minute when Miller dramatically put Rangers ahead. Fraser Forster made a mess of a routine clearance and Naismith quickly tried to put Maurice Edu through with Miller looking to be in an offside position. However, when the ball broke to the former Hoops striker 16 yards out, he buried his volley low past Forster.

More drama arrived in the 65th minute when Collum awarded a penalty to the Govan club after Majstorovic brought down Broadfoot in the box, although contact seemed minimal.

After the referee brushed aside Celtic complaints Miller drove the spot-kick in off the post. The Parkhead men fought to get a foothold back in the match and Allan McGregor made good saves from Ki and Joe Ledley - but Rangers did a professional job of seeing out the game.