Miller double gives Gers win - Sport in brief - Evening Standard
       

Miller double gives Gers win

Two goals from Kenny Miller slashed Celtic's lead at the summit of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League to a single point as Rangers claimed a 2-1 victory in the first Old Firm derby of the season.

The striker returned to haunt his former club once again with two early goals to put the Scottish champions in the driving seat at Ibrox.

Aiden McGeady did manage to pull a goal back from the penalty spot but his strike was not enough to prevent Tony Mowbray's first derby as Celtic manager ending in defeat.

It was Rangers who surged into the lead with just eight minutes gone, taking advantage of shocking defending from Celtic.

Boyd slipped a pass through for Miller, who forced his way past Stephen McManus and Glenn Loovens, before dispatching past Artur Boruc into the back of the net as Ibrox erupted.

Celtic then failed in their attempt to win a penalty when Shaun Maloney claimed he was fouled in the box by David Weir, before picking up a yellow card for diving after going to ground again moments later.

Miller found the back of the net again with 16 minutes gone. This time, a Steven Whittaker ball intended for Kris Boyd was missed by the striker and broke for Miller who shrugged off Loovens before sending a low shot past the Hoops keeper.

The Scottish champions had enjoyed a dream start to the game but found themselves pegged back after 25 minutes when referee Craig Thomson eventually did point to the penalty spot.

Debutant Zheng Zhi was felled by Sasa Papac and McGeady stepped up to claim his first ever goal at Ibrox, despite the best efforts of Allan McGregor, who managed to get a hand to the strike.

Maloney squandered Celtic's best chance of an equaliser in the second half when he rifled inches past the post when well-placed after being teed up by Mark Wilson.

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