Rangers 0-1 Hamilton: Hosts miss chance to narrow gap on Celtic
- Published
Highlights: Rangers 0-1 Hamilton Academical
Rangers' calamitous domestic form since the winter break continued as they were beaten at home by Hamilton Academical to slip 13 points behind Celtic.
Steven Gerrard's side, who were knocked out of the Scottish Cup by Hearts at the weekend, dropped points for the fifth time in their past eight Scottish Premiership games.
After Alfredo Morelos hit the bar following a dominant first half, Rangers fell behind when David Moyo punished Connor Goldson's error to move Accies off the bottom of the table.
Celtic moved further clear after snatching a late leveller at Livingston, albeit they have played a game more than Rangers.
Gerrard, who denied considering his future in the wake of the defeat at Hearts, has now overseen three consecutive domestic games without a win.
However, it was a second victory at Ibrox in three seasons for Brian Rice's Hamilton side, who move back above Hearts and to within two points of 10th-placed St Mirren.
Hosts frustrated as Southwood excels
The recall of Morelos after he was left out of the Tynecastle defeat for a breach of discipline was designed to add sharpness to Rangers' attack.
But for all their intent, they were lacking in composure in the opening 45 minutes. Ianis Hagi was denied by Luke Southwood early on and Florian Kamberi was also foiled by the visiting goalkeeper. Further efforts by Morelos, Steven Davis and Goldson were off target.
The pressure intensified at the start of the second half as Morelos met a Borna Barisic delivery and headed against the crossbar and another Barisic cross presented James Tavernier with an opportunity that he blazed over on the stretch.
Hamilton had looked to willing runner Marios Ogkmpoe to ease the pressure on the defence and the striker's graft was almost rewarded when his header was pushed on to the bar by Allan McGregor.
But the danger was not over for the hosts and Goldson dithered on the ball at the edge of the box, allowing Moyo to intervene and trickle the ball past a stranded McGregor.
Rangers went back on the offensive and two efforts by Hagi and one by Morelos were blocked by Southwood, while Goldson was unable to atone for his earlier error with a tame header at a corner. Hagi tried again from distance but his shot was deflected on to the crossbar.
Hamilton were resolute in closing down space at every opportunity and even when Davis was presented with a late chance, he could not keep the effort down.
'It's the first time we've had a break' - reaction
Rangers manager Steven Gerrard: "I thought we lacked desire and commitment at the weekend, but I don't think we lacked that tonight. Tonight was more about quality and taking your chances.
"If you don't take them, you always leave yourself wide open to someone going and scoring against you. Credit to Brian and his team, they've done that. We've got a lot to do - a big, big lot."
Hamilton head coach Brian Rice: "Rangers had a lot of possession tonight and a lot of balls in the box. On another night they might have had two or three breaks in the box that lead to goals.
"This is the first time we've had a break this season. You have to carry a bit of luck. We're Hamilton Accies coming to play Glasgow Rangers."