Rangers 5 Hibernian 2

Last updated : 27 August 2003 By Footymad Previewer

Despite the scoreline Rangers ran out anything but comfortable winners in this match.

Indeed it was a penalty save by Stefan Klos from Tom McManus when the scores were still level early in the second half that proved the turning point.

If Hibs had gone ahead then it was doubtful if the Ibrox side could have recovered.

As it was, three goals by Michael Mols, Mikel Arteta and the substitute Chris Burke in the last half-hour provided a flattering scoreline for the home team.

Paolo Vanoli lost control at the vital moment from a Mols flick early on, but it was the visitors who drew first blood.

McManus' deep cross was headed home at the back post by skipper Ian Murray who had easily out-jumped Fernando Ricksen.

Scott Brown and then McManus forced further saves from Klos before Rangers equalised with a well-worked goal.

Ricksen's cross-field pass reached Paolo Vanoli whose curling cross was touched home by Mols with the outside of his boot from eight yards.

The home fans had hardly finished celebrating before Hibs were back in the lead with what already must be a contender for goal of the season.

From Derek Riordan's cross McManus hit his volley first time from the corner of the box into the top corner of the net with Klos hardly moving.

Riordan wasted a chance for the visitors to go ahead when he shot weakly at Klos before Rangers drew level with a fortunate goal.

Arteta's inswinging corner glanced off the top of Garry O'Connor's head before ending up in the back of the net.

After Murray was brought down in the box by Zurab Khizanishvili shortly after the restart it took a tremendous save by Klos diving to his left to deny McManus' well-struck spot kick.

Rangers took full advantage of this when Mols cleverly turned on Henning Berg's high ball before shooting home.

Arteta's cunning free kick was then left by everyone leaving Hibs keeper Daniel Andersson helpless as the ball finished in the corner of the net.

Substitute Burke, who had come on for the ineffectual Nuno Capucho, finished the scoring with a well-struck shot after more brilliant footwork by Mols that created the chance.