Ian Cathro’s debut as head coach of Hearts ended in defeat as Rangers ran out 2-0 winners in their Scottish Premiership clash at Ibrox yesterday.
A goal in each half for Rob Kiernan and Barrie McKay allowed Rangers to gain revenge for a 2-0 defeat to Hearts at Tynecastle just 10 days ago as they strengthened their grip on second place in the table.
Rangers are nevertheless eight points behind Celtic having played three games more, with the defending champions running out 4-1 winners at Partick Thistle on Friday.
Aberdeen leapfrogged Hearts into third despite being held to a 0-0 draw at home by St Johnstone.
Former Newcastle United assistant Cathro had been the centre of attention before the match with several commentators questioning the wisdom of bringing in the 30-year-old — who never played the game professionally — to replace Robbie Neilson, departed for MK Dons.
And the signs didn’t look good for the former Rio Ave, Valencia and Newcastle assistant when, in stark contrast to their last meeting, Rangers put Hearts under relentless pressure from the start.
Lee Wallace fired a thunderous strike wide before Kenny Miller showed great skill to pull down a high ball over the top and then the composure to loft the ball over the advancing Jack Hamilton only to see his effort land narrowly wide.
However, it was Hearts who thought they had struck first.
Rangers had been on the receiving end of a very late offside decision against Hearts in their previous meeting and the Jambos were to suffer a similar fate at Ibrox in the 17th minute.
A ball into the box caused panic in the Rangers defence and, after they failed to clear their lines, Hearts midfielder Don Cowie tapped in from close range only for his celebrations to be cut short by the assistant referee’s flag.
The home side soon regained their focus and Hearts had Hamilton to thank for keeping out Wallace’s effort before Callum Paterson blocked the follow-up from Jason Holt.
Rangers weren’t to be denied for long. Holt earned his side a free-kick to the left of the box and James Tavernier’s in-swinging delivery was met by Kiernan who bulleted a header beyond Hamilton.
The second half was just five minutes old when the Gers doubled their advantage. The Hearts defence were posted missing as they allowed a long throw-in from Wallace to bounce in the box.
Ian Cathro’s debut as Hearts coach was not a happy one.
