A MALIK Tillman strike was the difference at Ibrox this evening as Rangers defeated Hearts 1-0 in the Scottish Premiership.
The second-half goal secured the three points for the Light Blues in the final home match before the World Cup break.
There was one change from Sunday’s match against St Johnstone as Rabbi Matondo came into the starting XI in place of the injured Fashion Jr.
Rangers started at Ibrox with Allan McGregor in goal and a back four of captain James Tavernier, Leon King, Ben Davies and Borna Barisic. James Sands, John Lundstram and Malik Tillman were in midfield, with Ryan Kent and Rabbi Matondo providing the support for Antonio Colak.
With the club holding its annual Remembrance event at this evening’s match, Ibrox fell silent ahead of kick-off in memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their country.
Straight from the first whistle Rangers looked to threaten as Malik Tillman released Ryan Kent on the left. The winger returned the ball to Tillman on the edge of the box but he was met by a wall of bodies as he looked to get a shot away.
At the other end, a long ball over the top from Hearts sent Josh Ginnelly through on goal but goalkeeper Allan McGregor was quick off his line to get a touch to send it behind for a corner.
Shortly after, Rangers almost managed to carve an opening as John Lundstram headed James Tavernier’s set-piece into the path of Antonio Colak but it was gathered by Hearts’ number one, Criag Gordon.
With 19 minutes on the clock, some good play from Rangers saw a good opportunity to open the scoring. James Sands showed his strength to win the ball back at the half way line before driving forward and finding Ryan Kent on the left. The winger picked out John Lunstram who was in space just inside the box but his strike drifted high of the target.
Another Rangers corner saw a chance for Antonio Colak as James Tavernier’s delivery fell for him at the back post but the Croatian’s strike was held by Gordon. As the first half was coming to a close, Hearts’ Nathaniel Atkinson had a shot blocked in the box as they looked for a late goal before half-time.
Goalless at the break, Giovanni van Bronkhorst made one change to his side at half-time as Scott Arfield was introduced in place of James Sands.
Rangers had a chance early in the second period as Rabbi Matondo’s cross was headed back across goal by Ryan Kent. Malik Tillman was there to get a touch to send the ball towards goal but it was turned behind by Craig Gordon for a Rangers corner.
The visitors came close shortly after as Josh Ginnelly delivered a dangerous ball across the face of goal but Andy Halliday was unable to get a touch to turn it goalwards, before Tillman saw an effort hit the side netting at the other end.
With half an hour of the game remaining, Scott Wright was introduced in place of Rabbi Matondo.
Wright was instantly involved as he took a good touch to go beyond a Hearts defender and link up with Scott Arfield. The midfielder fed the ball into the path of Antonio Colak but the strikers’ shot was held by Gordon.
The breakthrough did come for Rangers in the 65th minute. It was fantastic work from Ryan Kent as he weaved his way around three Hearts players to play in Borna Barisic on the overlap.
The left-back, who was today named in Croatia’s squad for the upcoming World Cup, whipped a dangerous ball into the box and Malik Tillman managed to get a strong connection to send a low right-footed effort beyond Craig Gordon.
Kent again created a fantastic opportunity a few minutes later as he delivered a ball across the face of goal but unfortunately for Rangers no one was able to get on the end of the cross. Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side were pushing for a second as substitute Alfredo Morelos saw a close-range shot blocked by Gordon.
Hearts were still looking to get back into this match and with 10 minutes remaining substitute Alan Forrest saw a strike from distance blocked.
Rangers now face St Mirren away on Saturday in the final match before the break.
RANGERS: McGregor, Tavernier, King, Davies, Barisic, Sands (Arfield, 46), Lundstram, Tillman (Kamara 85), Matondo (Wright, 61), Colak (Morelos, 67), Kent.
Subs: McLaughlin, Davis, McCann, Devine, Yfeko.
HEARTS: Gordon, M. Smith, Shankland, Atkinson (Forrest, 67), Devlin (Kiomourtzoglou, 78), Rowles, Halliday (McKay, 55), Cochrane, Sibbick, Ginnelly (Henderson, 78), Snodgrass.
Subs: Stewart, Clark, Neilson, C. Smith, Pollock
Referee: John Beaton