Skipper Barry Ferguson scored twice for Rangers in a convincing 3-0 victory over Inverness Caledonian Thistle on the opening day of the Scottish Premier League campaign.
Rangers endured two defeats and a draw against Charlie Christie's side last term, which played a significant part in them finishing behind champions Celtic.
However, Ferguson fired them ahead from 25 yards in the 16th minute, substitute Nacho Novo blasted home after 64 minutes and Ferguson added his second goal as injury time approached.
SPL newcomers Gretna were given a lesson in the harsh realities of the top flight with a 4-0 opening-day hammering by Falkirk at Fir Park.
Playing at Motherwell's home, where they will be housed until Raydale Park is upgraded, the SPL new boys were 2-0 down at half-time thanks to a Michael Higdon double.
Further goals from Pedro Moutinho and Russell Latapy after the interval sealed the fate of the Borders club who, on this evidence, face a long season of struggle.
Steven McGarry gave Mark McGhee a flying start to his career as Motherwell manager with a third-minute winner against St Mirren at Love Street.
McGarry scored against his former club after a slick move and Motherwell could have gone further ahead before the break, with David Clarkson hitting the bar and Jim Paterson missing a penalty.
The game grew scrappier with referee Eddie Smith handing out seven yellow cards and Motherwell held out reasonably comfortably to open their SPL campaign in satisfying style.
Dundee United beat Aberdeen with 10 men at Tannadice thanks to a 90th-minute goal from David Robertson.
United saw Willo Flood dismissed in the 42nd minute for two bookable offences, but they recovered well from that setback and Barry Robson hit the post with 18 minutes remaining.
In a heated contest, Robertson and Barry Nicholson saw headers brilliantly saved, but it was United who snatched a late winner, when Robertson pounced on a mistake from Andrew Considine to fire high into the net from close range.
However, Ferguson fired them ahead from 25 yards in the 16th minute, substitute Nacho Novo blasted home after 64 minutes and Ferguson added his second goal as injury time approached.
SPL newcomers Gretna were given a lesson in the harsh realities of the top flight with a 4-0 opening-day hammering by Falkirk at Fir Park.
Playing at Motherwell's home, where they will be housed until Raydale Park is upgraded, the SPL new boys were 2-0 down at half-time thanks to a Michael Higdon double.
Further goals from Pedro Moutinho and Russell Latapy after the interval sealed the fate of the Borders club who, on this evidence, face a long season of struggle.
Steven McGarry gave Mark McGhee a flying start to his career as Motherwell manager with a third-minute winner against St Mirren at Love Street.
McGarry scored against his former club after a slick move and Motherwell could have gone further ahead before the break, with David Clarkson hitting the bar and Jim Paterson missing a penalty.
The game grew scrappier with referee Eddie Smith handing out seven yellow cards and Motherwell held out reasonably comfortably to open their SPL campaign in satisfying style.
Dundee United beat Aberdeen with 10 men at Tannadice thanks to a 90th-minute goal from David Robertson.
United saw Willo Flood dismissed in the 42nd minute for two bookable offences, but they recovered well from that setback and Barry Robson hit the post with 18 minutes remaining.
In a heated contest, Robertson and Barry Nicholson saw headers brilliantly saved, but it was United who snatched a late winner, when Robertson pounced on a mistake from Andrew Considine to fire high into the net from close range.
Copyright (c) Press Association
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