Rangers getting the hang of it

Fran Sandaza's first goal in five months gave Rangers a narrow victory against 10-man Peterhead at Balmoor yesterday.

Sandaza struck from close range on the half-hour after goalkeeper Graeme Smith had spilt Lee Wallace's drive. Peterhead's Rory McAllister was sent off for a second booking in the second half.

With Rangers now 19 points clear at the top of the Scottish Third Division, manager Ally McCoist believes his side have become accustomed to the league.

"I think after the first game of the season, the guys had to toughen up. They're certainly handling it better and the results we've had recently are based on a solidity and resilience, especially defensively," McCoist said.

Michael Higdon's clinical hat-trick sent Motherwell level on points with second-placed Inverness in the Premier League with a 3-2 win over St Johnstone. Motherwell were coasting at 3-0 with 15 minutes remaining, but Nigel Hasselbaink and Liam Craig scored for the visitors to ensure a nervy finish.