Jorg Albertz scored a last-minute equaliser today to keep Rangers on course
for a 10th successive title.
It was the German midfielder's second goal of the game and came when the
champions were down to 10 men and almost out of time.
Hearts were heading for their first win over the Old Firm when defender Gary
Locke was hauled up for a hand ball.
Albertz, who scored the winner against Hibs last week, stepped up to rattle
the ball home from 20 yards.
You could sense the relief around the home support when the ball went in but
you can only feel for Hearts.
But they are still in sight of their first title in 38 long years and
dominated the game for long spells.
Paul Gascoigne came through a fitness test this morning on his injured ankle
to take his place in the Rangers starting line-up.
Danish international Brian Laudrup was also given up the thumbs up after
shaking off a calf strain.
Gascoigne was obviously pumped up for the title clash and hauled up for a foul
on Gary Naysmith in the first minute with both players needing treatment.
Hearts looked edgy in the early stages with defender David Weir carelessly
directing the ball into Laudrup's path. Laudrup hoisted the ball to the far
post, only for Gary Locke to divert it to safety.
Albertz, back in the side after missing the draw with Kilmarnock because of an
ankle injury, drove a 25-yard shot wide as the home side stepped up the
pressure.
However Hearts gradually picked up the pace with Locke picking out Steve
Fulton on the edge of the area.
But to the amusement of the home supporters his effort ended up nearer the
corner flag than the goal. Rangers had another scare a minute later when
Gascoigne conceded a corner after Stephane Adam flicked on a Neil McCann
corner.
It was McCann who broke the deadlock after 31 minutes following a dreadful
error by keeper Andy Goram.
Joachim Bjorklund played the ball back to the Rangers number one and he had
plenty of time to clear.
But he only succeeded in slicing his kick into the path of McCann, who knocked
it home from 20 yards.
Rangers drew level five minutes before the break and there was a touch of good
fortune about the goal.
Hearts keeper Gilles Rousset seemed to have Albertz's 20-yard shot covered but
the ball took a deflection off Locke to leave him stranded.
Gascoigne, clearly still struggling with the ankle injury lasted only three
minutes of the second half before being replace by Jonathan Johannson.
Rangers pressed forward and Laudrup released Albertz, only for his shot to end
up in the side net.
Laudrup was beginning to make his mark and got to the byline but his cut back
was intercepted by the alert Naysmith.
The game then took a dramatic turn in the 65th minute when Gough was sent off
by referee Kenny Clark after picking up his second yellow card.
Gough, who had earlier been booked for a challenge on Steve Fulton, took the
legs from McCann and Clark had no hesitation sending him to the dressing room.
Rangers, stung by that blow, hit back and Gilles Rouset did superbly well to
tip over a shot from Stuart McCall.
Hearts, however, began to find gaps appearing and Goram redeemed himself by
turning a shot from Adam round the post after Naysmith had carved out the
opening.
But Rangers have a habit these days of shooting themselves in the foot these
days as was emphasised in the 73rd minute.
Bjorklund delayed clearing the ball allowing Stephane Adam to gain possession
and square the ball to Jim Hamilton who made no mistake from close range.
But then came that dramatic equaliser from Albertz, which leaves the title
race still wide open.
Teams
Rangers: Goram, Cleland, Albertz, Gough, Porrini, Bjorklund,
Thern, Gascoigne (Johannson 49), Negri, McCall,
Laudrup (Rozental 89).
Subs Not Used: Ferguson.
Sent Off: Gough (65).
Booked: Gough, Cleland, Gascoigne, McCall, Negri.
Goals: Albertz 40, 90.
Hearts: Rousset, Locke, Naysmith, Weir, Murray, Ritchie, McCann,
Fulton, Adam (Flogel 83), Cameron, Hamilton (Salvatori 79).
Subs Not Used: Quitongo.
Sent Off: Murray (78).
Booked: Murray, Ritchie.
Goals: McCann 31, Hamilton 76.
Att: 50,046
Ref: K Clark (Paisley).
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