Glasgow Rangers 4 Dundee 0

Last updated : 20 March 2004 By Footymad Previewer

Rangers resumed winning ways with an emphatic victory over a Dundee side whose resistance collapsed in the second half.

After the home side took the lead through a controversial Peter Lovenkrands goal just before half time, there was only going to be one winner.

Further goals from Frank de Boer, Gavin Rae and Steven Thompson after the interval only emphasised the Ibrox side's superiority.

Alan Hutton showed some assured touches early on, but it was Dundee who threatened first when Nacho Novo rounded Craig Moore only to pull his shot wide of the advancing Stefan Klos.

Rangers retaliated when Lovenkrands was first to a Hutton cross but his effort hit the outside of the post as it rolled wide.

The home side should have taken the lead when Ronald de Boer's skill in the box led to a point-blank header from Lovenkrands which Julian Speroni somehow managed to touch over.

Zurab Khizanishvili then spurned a great chance when Rae put him through, but the Georgian was too slow with his shot that was deflected for a corner.

Ronald de Boer had earlier taken a knock and was replaced by Michael Mols after 25 minutes and shortly afterwards Speroni again came to his side's rescue with a fingertip save from Thompson's powerful header.

Dave Mackay cleared Rae's net bound shot off the line before Rangers finally took the lead in controversial circumstances.

Mols pass to the back post was headed back across goal by Moore before Frank de Boer's header was lashed home by Lovenkrands from close range.

The stand-side assistant referee had his flag up for offside against Moore but, after deliberations with referee Alan Freeland, the goal was awarded.

Dundee were naturally incensed by the decision and perhaps it was as well the referee blew for half time shortly after.

Rangers killed the game off as a contest when Frank de Boer curled his 25-yard free-kick over the wall and into the corner of the net despite Speroni's despairing touch.

The home side were now shooting on sight with Bob Malcolm, MichaelBall and Hughes all going close.

Chris Burke was introduced for Lovenkrands to great acclaim with 20 minutes remaining, before Rangers hit Dundee with a late two-goal burst.

Rae neatly side-stepped a Dundee defender before drilling his shot from 18 yards into the corner of the net to join Frank de Boer in opening his goal account for the Ibrox side.

Thompson then side-footed home after Mols cleverly dummied Hutton's cross.

There was still time for Mols to hit the crossbar from Thompson's cross before the referee blew the final whistle.