Rangers have sent a clear message to title rivals Celtic by smashing five past Motherwell today. The Glasgow giants went four points clear of their Old Firm rivals with an irrepressible performance at Fir Park that saw them score four goals in the second half in the 5-0 thumping.
Things started well for the visitors when Kyle Lafferty received a pass from Steven Davis, rounded 'Well goalkeeper Darren Randolph and slotted home with an angled shot in the 18th minute.
Motherwell got themselves back into proceedings after the opening goal and were almost back on level terms if it wasn't for an Allan McGregor save from a Steve Jones effort.
The home side were desperate for a leveler but their hopes were dashed when Rangers grabbed a second early in the second half through Davis. Steve Naismith's shot was blocked by Randolph but the attacking midfielder was on hand to fire home the rebound.
All of a sudden it was 3-0 when Nikica Jelavic got in on the act with a goal just after the hour-mark. The Croatian headed home a Sasa Papac cross from close range for his 13th league goal of the season.
The match was essentially over at this point but Naismith was not happy with three and supplied a brilliant finish from distance to make it 4-0 in the 76th minute before rounding out the five with a late finish from a tight angle for his brace.
'Gers have put the pressure firmly back on Celtic as the title race heats up. The Hoops meet Dundee United at Parkhead tomorrow for the chance to cut the lead to a point with a game in hand.
