Rangers win 3-0 at Inverness in season opener

Captain Barry Ferguson scored twice to help Rangers to a 3-0 win away to Inverness in their opening match of the Scottish Premier League season yesterday.

Ferguson struck left-footed from 25 metres to give Rangers, last season's runners-up behind Celtic, the lead in the 16th minute.

Spanish striker Nacho Novo came off the bench to make it 2-0 in the 65th minute and Ferguson rounded off the scoring two minutes from time after taking advantage of a mistake from defender Ross Tokely.

Celtic begin the defence of their title at home to Kilmarnock today.

Elsewhere, Dundee United beat Aberdeen 1-0 with a late goal from David Robertson. He pounced on a blunder by Andy Considine to rifle a shot into the roof of the net. United had Willo Flood sent off before half-time for his second bookable offence.

Newly promoted Gretna crashed to a 4-0 defeat against Falkirk in their first ever SPL game while St Mirren lost 1-0 at home to Motherwell with Steve McGarry grabbing the winner.