GLASGOW: Nacho Novo was Rangers hero as they achieved the perfect pre-UEFA Cup Final boost with a 3-1 victory over Dundee United in the Scottish Premier League yesterday.

Two early goals from the Spaniard, the second a sensational strike from 20-yards, and a late Jean-Claude Darcheville goal - after Mark de Vries had pulled one back for the visitors - secured the win.

The result also means the Ibrox side are now only a point behind leaders Celtic, having played a game less.

Only an injury to Kevin Thomson, who limped off early in the second half days ahead of Wednesday's UEFA Cup Final against FC Zenit St Petersburg, dampened the spirits of the Rangers fans in the 50,293 crowd.

Meanwhile, Motherwell are close to securing European football for the first time in 13 years after a crucial 2-1 win over Aberdeen.
Mark McGhee's side moved four points clear in third place thanks to Chris Porter's 17th goal of the season.

Darren Smith had scrambled Motherwell into a deserved lead in the 61st minute but Aberdeen levelled through Sone Aluko six minutes later.

Porter finished off a slick move to tighten Motherwell's grip on third place.

Falkirk leapfrogged Hearts into seventh place after a 2-1 win.

Kilmarnock defender Grant Murray condemned Hearts to successive defeats after netting a second-half header at Tynecastle to help his side to a 2-0 victory.

Gretna, already relegated, drew 0-0 with St Mirren at Love Street. -- AFP