Russell dismissed in narrow loss

Striker Johnny Russell was sent-off as Dundee United eventually lost out to a single Kyle Lafferty goal in a 1-0 defeat to SPL leaders Rangers at Tannadice.

Russell was dismissed on the half-hour following a clash with Kirk Broadfoot and Lafferty took advantage when heading in Gregg Wylde's 61st minute cross.

Rangers midfielder Steven Davis later struck both uprights as his side recorded a fifth consecutive clean sheet to maintain their position at the top of the table.

Home midfielder Willo Flood saw an early effort diverted wide before Dusan Pernis blocked from Lafferty and Steven Naismith also drilled over at the opposite end.

Back came the Tangerines with Danny Swanson forcing Allan McGregor to save from distance and Garry Kenneth heading wide from the resultant corner.

But the loss of Russell for an apparent headbutt suddenly threw the advantage firmly in Rangers' favour and Naismith spurned another opportunity before Pernis kept out Lafferty.

Twice more the Slovakian international goalkeeper was required to thwart the Rangers striker following the interval before Lafferty finally headed the visitors in front just past the hour.

Terrors midfielder John Rankin replied with a fierce low strike before Davis struck both posts in succession.

However, Rangers were still in a battle and Swanson and Rankin each drove wide as the contest moved towards its conclusion.

Dundee United: Pernis, Dixon, Kenneth, Watson, Gunning, Flood, Robertson, Swanson, Rankin, Russell, Dalla Valle (Dow 71)

subs (unused): McCallum, Douglas, Marsh-Brown, Armstrong, Mackay-Steven, Allan

Rangers: McGregor, Goian, Broadfoot, Whittaker, Ortiz, Bocanegra, Wylde (McKay 83), Edu (McCulloch 75), Davis, Lafferty, Naismith

subs (unused): Alexander, Perry, Fleck, Healy, Kerkar

Goals: Lafferty (61)

Ref: Murray

Att: 10,156

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