Hibernian 2 Rangers 4

Last updated : 18 August 2002 By Footymad Previewer

Rangers kept up the relentless pursuit of arch-rivals Celtic with a convincing win at Easter Road.

Goals from Ronald de Boer, a Barry Ferguson penalty and two from Peter Lovenkrands gave them victory with Hibs having striker Francisco Luna sent off midway through the second half.

Hibs made six changes from the team that lost so heavily to arch-rivals Hearts with goalkeeper Nick Colgan returning.

They had the worst possible start as Rangers surged in front after just six minutes.

Grant Brebner gave the ball away in midfield and Mikel Arteta sent Lovenkrands scurrying down the left.

The Dane's cutback was touched home by de Boer for the opening goal.

Hibs lost midfielder Frederic Arpinon through injury midway through the half with Derek Townsley taking his place.

It was the substitute who hauled Hibs back into it. After coming close with a long-range free-kick after 30 minutes, he shot the equaliser five minutes later.

Rangers failed to clear a Tom McManus corner and the ball broke to Luna who presented Townsley with an easy chance to slot the ball past Stefan Klos.

But Rangers moved back in front on the stroke of half-time when Mathias Doumbe fouled Lovenkrands in the area and Ferguson sent Colgan the wrong way with the resultant penalty.

The third goal arrived when Mathias Jack gave away possession and Fernando Ricksen swept the ball across goal for Lovenkrands to provide the finish.

Worse was to follow for Hibs when Luna was sent off after 66 minutes for his second booking when referee Hugh Dallas ruled he had punched the ball into the net.

There was no way back for Hibs when Lovenkrands scored the fourth after 86 minutes but Hibs pulled a late goal back through substitute Garry O'Connor