Another huge setback for Rangers

GLASGOW RANGERS suffered another huge setback when they were beaten 1-0 by Maritimo in Madeira in the first leg of their UEFA Cup first round clash last night.

Rangers hit the post twice in the opening half but the only goal of the game came in the 27th minute. Luis Felipe set up Leo Lima for a shot that Klos could only parry and Gustavo Manduca was first to the loose ball to apply the finish.

Meanwhile, Millwall face an extremely difficult task to qualify for the group stages after a late free-kick from Peter Lipcsei gave Hungarian champions Ferencvaros an undeserved 1-1 draw at The Den. Millwall, playing their first-ever competitive European match, dominated for most of the game, but a lack of quality in decisive areas of the pitch cost them dearly.

Middlesbrough’s ‘dream team’ of Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Mark Viduka brilliantly lit up the Riverside to ensure an historic night for the club lived up to its billing with a 3-0 win over Banik Ostrava. Boss Steve McClaren had called on his experienced stars before kick off to pave the way as Boro finally made their continental debut - and Hasselbaink and Viduka duly answered with second-half goals to seize the initiative in the tie.

Hearts took a huge step towards the money-spinning group stages when they romped to a 3-1 win over Braga at Murrayfield with goals from Andy Webster, Paul Hartley and Patrick Kisnorbo.