Champs Rangers frustrated by Hearts

Rangers made a sluggish start to their title defence as the Scottish champions were held to a 1-1 draw by Hearts on the opening day of the season yesterday.

Ally McCoist’s competitive debut as Rangers manager, 28 years after he made his playing debut for the Glasgow club, didn’t start happily when Uganda’s David Obua headed Hearts into a 16th minute lead at Ibrox.

Obua and David Templeton had chances to increase Hearts’ lead before half-time, but Rangers improved in the second-half and debutant Juan Manuel Ortiz crossed for Steven Naismith to nod home the equaliser in the 57th minute.

Nikica Jelavic had an effort ruled out for offside seven minutes later, but Allan McGregor had to be alert to stop Obua’s shot sneaking in and Rangers will need a far better display in their Champions League qualifier against Malmo on Tuesday.

Old Firm rivals Celtic open their league campaign against Hibernian at Easter Road today.

Elsewhere yesterday, Motherwell set the early pace with a 3-0 win over Inverness at Fir Park.

Steve Hammell’s deflected shot gave Motherwell a 25th minute lead before Jamie Murphy added a second three minutes later.

Northern Ireland international Keith Lasley completed the scoring with a ferocious shot late in the second half.

At Pittodrie, 10-man Aberdeen held on for a 0-0 draw against St Johnstone despite the 65th minute dismissal of Ryan Jack for a lunge on Murray Davidson.

Results
Aberdeen 0 - St Johnstone 0
Motherwell 3 - Inverness 0
Rangers 1 - Hearts 1

Today
Hibernian vs Celtic (13.30)
Dundee United vs Kilmarnock (16.00)

Tomorrow
Dunfermline vs St Mirren (20.45)