Naderi strikes early as Rangers climb to third | OneFootball

Rangers beat Motherwell 1-0 at Ibrox as Ryan Naderi's early strike lifted the hosts from ninth to third in the Scottish Premiership.

Naderi, on for the injured Lawrence Shankland, struck in the 12th minute, finishing from the centre of the box.

Djeidi Gassama won a penalty after being fouled by Tom Sparrow (28.). Kim Min-Su then missed the spot kick to the left (30.).

After the interval, Rangers went close when Naderi struck the post (54.). A double change added fresh thrust (69.), with Alex Paulsen tipping away Naderi's header (71.) before Kevin Kelsy rattled the bar (74.).

Before the break, Paulsen kept Motherwell in the game with sharp stops, while Ivor Pandur thwarted Tawanda Maswanhise and Alexander Lowry during the visitors' brightest spell.

An early stoppage for Shankland's injury disrupted the opening stages, but it also gave Naderi his chance, which he seized decisively.

Rangers tallied 27 attempts and hit the woodwork twice. Motherwell saw 59% possession but mustered eight attempts.

Motherwell drop to fifth. Next, Rangers host St Mirren, while Motherwell welcome Aberdeen.