Boyd seals Gers win

Andrius Velicka's incredible goalscoring form also continued as he grabbed his fourth goal in as many games against his former club.

The victory allowed Rangers to keep the pressure on Celtic at the summit of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League, with a single point all that separates the Glasgow giants ahead of next week's crunch Old Firm derby.

Boyd had an early chance when the ball broke to him in plenty of space in the box after just a few minutes.

But he was quickly closed down by Christos Karipidis and his attempt to lob the goalkeeper was weak and easily gathered by Marian Kello.

At the other end, Neil Alexander was called into action to block a well-struck shot from Mike Tullberg, which the Rangers goalkeeper spilled before recovering and smothering to deny Hearts the rebound.

Maurice Edu then unleashed a long, low effort which fizzed past the upright, before Boyd's lob smacked off the crossbar.

It was Velicka who managed to open the scoring on the stroke of half-time. Steven Smith's corner found Boyd who nodded down for the Lithuanian to lash home on the turn.

Calum Elliot then attempted to win a penalty for Hearts by claiming he was tripped in the box by Steven Whittaker but the pleas were ignored by referee Iain Brines, who appeared to make the correct call.

Any hope of a Hearts comeback were shattered when Boyd netted with a minute to go. Steven Davis found Kenny Miller on the far right and he teed up the shot for his fellow striker to bundle over the line from close range.