Jelavic maintains Gers' challenge

10 April 2011 15:30
Nikica Jelavic kept Rangers within touching distance of leaders Celtic after grabbing the only goal in a 1-0 victory against Hamilton in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League. The Hoops had heaped the pressure on the Scottish champions by moving five points clear at the summit on Saturday but Jelavic ensured Rangers were able to reduce the deficit. However, Accies - who are now facing the very real possibility of relegation - passed up the chance to open the scoring when Dougie Imrie's penalty was saved by Allan McGregor when the match was still deadlocked. The home side had a golden opportunity to take the lead when referee Alan Muir judged that Steven Davis had fouled Imrie in the box and pointed to the penalty spot with 16 minutes gone. Imrie, himself, stepped up for the spot-kick but fired straight at McGregor and the Rangers goalkeeper did well to save and keep the scoreline level. Rangers then applied some pressure of their own and Croatian striker Jelavic was celebrating a minute from the interval when he was fouled by Alex Neil just outside the area and brushed himself off to send a swerving free-kick into the back of the net.

Source: PA