Rangers fight back to beat Motherwell in thriller

Todd Cantwell's first Rangers goal turned the game back in the away side's favour

Rangers manager Michael Beale extended his unbeaten Scottish Premiership start to 14 games after his side fought back to earn victory in a pulsating six-goal thriller at Motherwell.

Motherwell responded through Bevis Mugabi, but two goals in six minutes from Todd Cantwell and Malik Tillman took the game away from the hosts, who had Callum Slattery dismissed.

The win for Beale's side narrows the gap on leaders Celtic to six points, but Ange Postecoglou's men can restore their nine-point advantage with victory at home to Hibernian later on Saturday.

Defeat for Motherwell, who remain ninth and are now winless in 55 top-flight games against Rangers, brings an end to Stuart Kettlewell's four-game unbeaten start as manager.

Reaction & as it happenedVisit our Motherwell page for all the latest news, analysis & fan viewsEverything Rangers - go straight to all the best content

A James McFadden goal in 2002 earned the Fir Park club their last Premiership victory in this fixture, and it was current talisman Van Veen who had the home fans dreaming as the Dutchman tucked in Max Johnston's cross then wheeled away in front of a travelling support who protested against the Ibrox board pre-match.

Rangers toiled in their pursuit of an equaliser as rigid Motherwell made life difficult for the visitors in their 5-4-1 shape, but Slattery's wild challenge on John Lundstram on the edge of the box resulted in Tavernier to bending a free-kick over the wall, beating Liam Kelly far too easily.

Tavernier then turned provider a minute after the break for Sakala to head home - the Zambian's sixth goal in six games against Motherwell.

From nowhere, Kettlewell's side drew level when Rangers failed to clear their lines, allowing Mugabi to prod the ball in on the slide.

But Beale's men had their lead back four minutes later when Cantwell smashed in from close range - his first goal for his new club - before substitute Tillman drilled a quickfire fourth with a fine strike from the edge of the area.

Motherwell were reduced to 10 men for the final 14 minutes when Slattery was shown a second yellow for a flailing arm on Cantwell, but the hosts were spared a heavier defeat as Rangers passed up further chances to add gloss to the win.

Player of the match - Todd Cantwell

The former Norwich man has made himself a key cog in Beale's side in the early days of his Rangers career, and his first goal for the Ibrox club capped off another impressive display

What's next?

After the international break, both sides return to Premiership action on Saturday, 1 April as Motherwell go to Hibernian while Rangers host Dundee United (both 15:00 BST).

More to follow.