Thomson snatches late point for Rangers

Rangers 3 Dundee Utd 3

It was not quite enough to move the Gers level with Celtic at the summit of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League but Walter Smith’s men will have no complaints after looking in danger of ending the match empty-handed.

Steven Davis and Sasa Papac both netted for Rangers but a double from Francesco Sandaza and a Scott Robertson strike looked certain to earn United victory until Thomson’s injury-time leveller.

Rangers took the lead after just 11 minutes when Davis ran onto Kenny Miller’s pass and rifled home from the edge of the area.

But the joy of the Ibrox faithful was short-lived when United were back on level terms six minutes later.

Morgaro Gomis started the move with a good run before playing the ball to Warren Feeney, who slipped into the path of Sandaza to fire home.

United were celebrating again after 27 minutes.

Robertson collected Paul Dixon’s cut-back and forced a block from Allan McGregor but the Rangers goalkeeper parried straight to Sandaza who slotted home the rebound.

An unlikely source dragged Rangers back into the game when Papac left Zaluska with no chance with a well-hit drive after 37 minutes.

Dundee United went back in front after 59 minutes. A long throw from Dixon sparked a scramble in the box as the ball dropped on the six-yard box for Robertson to lash over the line.

Thomson salvaged a point for Rangers in dramatic style when he rifled home from 22 yards in injury-time.

RANGERS: McGregor, Broadfoot, Bougherra, Weir, Papac (Lafferty 88), Davis, Mendes, Thomson, Novo (Ferguson 82), Boyd, Miller.

DUNDEE UTD: Zaluska, Dillon, Wilkie, Dods, Dixon, Flood, Gomis, Scott Robertson, Conway, Feeney, Sandaza (Goodwillie 90).

Referee: Craig Thomson.