RANGERS moved back up to second spot in the Premiership standings with a 2-0 win over Motherwell at Fir Park.

Goals from Kenny Miller and Emerson Hyndman clinched a crucial victory for Mark Warburton’s side as they followed up last weekend’s Scottish Cup triumph over the Steelmen with another key win.

Michael O’Halloran and Scott McDonald saw red in the first half before Miller and Hyndman netted late on to see off Mark McGhee’s side.

Gers boss Warburton made two changes to the side that left it late at Ibrox last weekend as James Tavernier returned at right-back and Hyndman was handed his first start in place of Jason Holt.

For the Steelmen, Keith Lasley dropped out as McDonald came into the team but the Aussie wouldn’t see the end of an action-packed first half.

The game was just four minutes old when the first flashpoint sparked the tie into life as O’Halloran was shown a straight red for a foul on Carl McHugh.

It was a moment of madness from the forward as he caught McHugh with a high challenge and he could have had no complaints as referee Willie Collumn went to his top pocket.

Motherwell had to capitalise on their numerical advantage but they couldn’t get themselves in front despite a number of promising attacks.

Craig Clay fired wide from 20 yards before McDonald was denied by Wes Foderingham at the near post and saw another effort rise over the Englishman’s bar.

Just minutes later, he was back in the dressing room. This one wasn’t as clear cut but Collum got the big call right again as he produced his second red of the afternoon.

A poor touch from the Well star allowed Miller a sight of the ball and the Gers striker was caught on the ankle on the follow through. Despite his protests, McDonald had to walk.

There was little quality from either side but the action was end-to-end. Rangers created a couple of chances as Hyndman was denied, Lee Wallace’s shot was deflected and keeper Craig Samson made a smart stop from Miller.

The half would end goalless but there were plenty of talking points. Just seconds after the restart, Rangers were almost ahead.

Wallace burst in behind the Well defence and beat Samson but Steven Hammell and Richard Tait combined to clear the ball as Barrie McKay looked to convert.

Motherwell then had their first chance of the second half as Louis Moult’s shot whistled over the bar before Samson gathered an Andy Halliday effort at the second attempt.

Toral almost got his first goal for the Light Blues with a header from a Halliday cross. It was time for Warburton to turn to his bench, Martyn Waghorn replacing the on-loan Arsenal midfielder.

The Englishman would have a hand in the opener just minutes later. Hyndman slipped in Wallace down the left and he crossed towards Waghorn. He couldn’t convert but Miller was on hand to hit his eighth goal of the campaign.

Wallace almost doubled the lead before Well boss McGhee made a double switch as Ryan Bowman and Elliott Frear entered the action.

Harry Forrester almost clinched the win after another Gers break down the left before Samson gathered a low effort from Halliday.

As the clock ticked down, Motherwell still had a hope that they could take something from the game as they looked to turn the tables on the Gers.

The points were soon secured for Warburton’s side, though, as they got the second goal that they needed.

Hyndman had produced an accomplished display in the middle of the park and the American kid capped it in style with a powerful finish from just inside the area.

Waghorn should have made it 3-0 in injury time but the miss didn’t matter for Rangers as they celebrated a much-needed league win.