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Rangers win 'Old Firm' derby 3-0

Rangers won the first Old Firm derby of the season as Nacho Novo's double strike inspired a 3-0 victory over Celtic yesterday.

Since Walter Smith returned to Ibrox he has quickly established a stranglehold over Celtic and this was a third successive triumph over his club's bitter rivals.

Novo's first half header and a late penalty sandwiched Barry Ferguson's clinical finish to put Rangers level on points with Gordon Strachan's Scottish champions.

It was a win Rangers desperately needed after two league games without success. This was proof that their famous Champions League win at Lyon wasn't a flash in the pan and will serve as ideal preparation for Tuesday's visit from Barcelona.

While Ibrox reverberated to the din of celebrating Rangers fans, their Celtic counterparts left fearing a serious battle to hold onto their title.

Smith's side took the lead with a well-crafted goal in the 28th minute.

Hutton surged forward and whipped in a teasing cross from the right that by-passed two Celtic defenders before Novo dived in at the far post to head home from close range.

Rangers increased their lead in the 57th minute with Hutton delivering a cross that Celtic struggled to deal with. Lee McCulloch's effort fell to Ferguson, who beat Artur Boruc for his first goal since August.

The cherry on the cake came in the 79th minute. Evander Sno conceded a penalty for a challenge on Charlie Adam and Novo stepped up to stroke home his fourth goal of the season.
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