Football: Ibrox late show

RANGERS left it late, but the man who so often comes to their rescue - Ally McCoist - popped up 10 minutes from time to secure a 1-0 win against St Johnstone at Ibrox Park on the opening day of the Scottish League season, writes Rupert Metcalf.

McCoist, Britain's top scorer last season, collected a flick-on from his captain, Richard Gough, to beat Andy Rhodes from close range. The defending champions, who had looked lethargic against the Perth side, lost their new defender, Dave McPherson, after half an hour with a groin strain.

Craig Levein, McPherson's team-mate last season at Hearts, was another late scorer - but with an own goal, 11 minutes from time, which gave Celtic a 1-0 success at Tynecastle. Tommy Coyne headed on a cross from Dariusz Wdowczyk, and Levein stuck out his boot and deflected the ball past a stranded Henry Smith.

Duncan Shearer, Aberdeen's pounds 550,000 summer signing from Blackburn Rovers, struck twice in two second-half minutes to guide the Dons to a comfortable 3-0 home victory over Hibernian. Scott Booth was also on target.

St Mirren, relegated from the Premier Division last season, had a disastrous first day down in the First Division, losing 7-0 at Raith Rovers, for whom Gordon Dalziel scored the season's first hat-trick.