Sat May 17 12:11:21 2008

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Rangers held to damaging draw by Motherwell

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Motherwell, Scotland (Sports Network) - Chris Porter's goal in the 50th minute helped Motherwell earn a 1-1 draw with Rangers at Fir Park Stadium on Saturday, severely damaging the title hopes of Walter Smith's men.

The result leaves Rangers three points behind Celtic with a game in hand. The Light Blues can pull level with the Hoops if they win at St Mirren on Monday, but Celtic's edge in goal differential has made them favorites to claim a third straight league title.

Motherwell entered the match having already secured third place and spot in the UEFA Cup, while Rangers was desperate for a good result after losing 2-0 in the UEFA Cup final on Wednesday to Zenit St. Petersburg.

Gers started the match well with a number of good chances in the opening 25 minutes, and they were rewarded shortly before the half-hour mark with a goal from an unlikely source.

Defender Christian Dailly got forward and tried to latch onto a long ball from Kirk Broadfoot that was hit towards the penalty area. Motherwell goalkeeper Graeme Smith decided to come off his line to try and play the ball, but it was a poor decision as Dailly got there first and headed the ball past the stranded keeper.

Daniel Cousin could have given the visitors a two-goal lead right after the restart, but he was denied at close range by the keeper, allowing Motherwell to level the match minutes later.

David Clarkson turned a header towards goal that came back off the post, but the ball fell to Darren Smith and he flicked it on to Porter who found the back of the net from close range.

The final 40 minutes were big for Rangers, but a Charlie Adam shot from a tight angle that was easily handled by the keeper provided the team's best chance at three points as Motherwell stubbornly held out for a draw.

Kilmarnock ended its season on a positive note despite finishing second from the bottom as Killie beat Falkirk 2-1. Paul Di Giacomo broke a 1-1 tie in the 81st minute to give his side the win, while Inverness saw its season come to end after finishing 0-0 with St Mirren.