Rangers 1-0 Hamilton Academical: Steven Gerrard's side move top of Premiership
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Highlights: Rangers 1-0 Hamilton Academical
Steven Gerrard's Rangers returned to the top of the Premiership after a slim home win over Hamilton Academical.
With Celtic losing earlier in the day to Hibs, Rangers' three points were enough to move them above Kilmarnock on goal difference.
Daniel Candeias fired Rangers into an early lead moments after Kyle Lafferty had headed the ball off the post.
But they struggled to add more despite their dominance, with Hamilton offering little at the other end.
The win also ended a run of three games without a victory across all competitions for Gerrard's side.
Hamilton remain in 10th, four points above the drop zone.
Rangers back to winning ways
After stumbles against Aberdeen and Dundee, Rangers had relinquished the lead in the Premiership, while Thursday's Europa League loss to Rapid Vienna meant an exit from Europe.
However, Celtic's 2-0 defeat to Hibernian at Easter Road gave Rangers the chance to reclaim top spot and they did not falter as Candeias struck within three minutes.
But Gerrard may well be concerned by his side's lack of cutting edge, having now scored just one goal from open play in the last six games.
The home side looked like they would blow the visitors away in a storming start. Lafferty - in for suspended top-scorer Alfredo Morelos - got to James Tavernier's delivery but headed it off the post with the goal gaping.
But soon after Candeias pounced inside the area after Lafferty had a shot blocked by Matt Kilgallon, sending the rebound past goalkeeper Gary Woods.
Despite dominating the rest of the half they could not build on their lead before the break.
Candeias saw another effort blocked amid a goalmouth scramble, while Woods saved well from Eros Grezda, Gareth McAuley and Lafferty.
Scott McMann's low effort at Allan McGregor was the best that Accies could muster.
The longer it stayed 1-0, the more the home crowd grew nervous. However, despite some jittery moments, Rangers held on for the three points.
'A horrendous start' - reaction
Accies boss Martin Canning said: "It was a horrendous start from us. We were nervy at the start, maybe understandably given the form we are in. But there was no reason to be.
"Second half we were a lot better and it was a more competitive game. You could see Rangers become a little bit nervy in the last 15 minutes.
"It wouldn't have been a just point in terms of Rangers dominating the game but it would have been a good point if we had got it."