Rangers defeated by Motherwell in Barry Ferguson's first game back at Ibrox

Motherwell have defeated Rangers in Barry Ferguson’s first home game as interim manager.

Michael Winner’s side ran out 2-1 winners at Ibrox on Saturday to get themselves into the top-six of the Premiership.

It is a third home defeat in a row for Rangers following losses to Queen’s Park and St Mirren in recent weeks that led to the departure of former manager Philippe Clement.

Luke Armstrong had Motherwell ahead inside the first ten minutes when he pounced on a fumble by Jack Butland to put the ball into the net and make it 1-0.

The assistant referee initially had his flag up but after a VAR check Nick Walsh awarded the goal.

And, for the second time in three days, Rangers found themselves 2-0 down when Tom Sparrow doubled the visitors’ lead on the half hour mark.

Interim boss Barry Ferguson made three changes at half time with Leon Balogun, Tom Lawrence and Nedim Bajrami all brought on in the place of Hamza Igamane, Robin Propper and Ianis Hagi.

The changes had the desired effect as Rangers picked up their performance levels after the break and Cyriel Dessers struck to make it 2-1 just nine minutes after the restart.

The Nigeria forward had the ball in the net again with ten minutes but the goal was chalked off for an offside.

Rangers pushed for an equaliser but Motherwell defended resolutely right to the end and held on for all three points.

That is their second 2-1 win in a row under new manager Michael Wimmer and they have leapfrogged Hearts, who take on Hibs in Sunday’s Edinburgh Derby, into the top six.

It’s the Europa League and a double header against Fenerbahce in the last-16 for Rangers before they return to league action for the Old Firm game at Celtic Park.