RANGERS WERE HELD to a 1-1 draw by Hamilton Academical as they made their return to the Scottish Premiership at Ibrox.
After four seasons out of the top-flight, Mark Warburton’s men were stunned as Ali Crawford gave Hamilton - pre-season favourites for relegation - a first-half lead.
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Martyn Waghorn scored an equaliser after the break, but Rangers will rue their failure to find a victory that would have put early pressure on rivals Celtic, who face a tricky trip to Hearts on Sunday.
The hosts had the ball in the net almost immediately, but Kenny Miller’s tap-in was disallowed after Waghorn had dribbled out of play before setting up the opportunity.
And it was the visitors who took a shock lead after half an hour, as a cross from the left eventually found its way to Crawford, who curled a magnificent finish past goalkeeper Wes Foderingham and into the top corner.
Waghorn struck a 20-yard free-kick against the post as Rangers ended a frustrating first-half behind.
They were level on 62 minutes, though, when a magnificent pass from substitute Harry Forrester released Waghorn and the striker converted with a with a first-time, left-footed finish.
Foderingham got down to make a vital save to prevent Hamilton re-taking the lead through former Celtic midfielder Massimo Donati’s header, while the lively Forrester drove an effort wide at the other end.
But Rangers were unable to find a winner, with concern as Waghorn limped off with a hamstring injury in the closing stages which left them playing with 10 men having already used all of their substitutes.
They're back! But Rangers held by Hamilton on Scottish Premiership return
RANGERS WERE HELD to a 1-1 draw by Hamilton Academical as they made their return to the Scottish Premiership at Ibrox.
After four seasons out of the top-flight, Mark Warburton’s men were stunned as Ali Crawford gave Hamilton - pre-season favourites for relegation - a first-half lead.
Martyn Waghorn scored an equaliser after the break, but Rangers will rue their failure to find a victory that would have put early pressure on rivals Celtic, who face a tricky trip to Hearts on Sunday.
The hosts had the ball in the net almost immediately, but Kenny Miller’s tap-in was disallowed after Waghorn had dribbled out of play before setting up the opportunity.
And it was the visitors who took a shock lead after half an hour, as a cross from the left eventually found its way to Crawford, who curled a magnificent finish past goalkeeper Wes Foderingham and into the top corner.
Waghorn struck a 20-yard free-kick against the post as Rangers ended a frustrating first-half behind.
They were level on 62 minutes, though, when a magnificent pass from substitute Harry Forrester released Waghorn and the striker converted with a with a first-time, left-footed finish.
Foderingham got down to make a vital save to prevent Hamilton re-taking the lead through former Celtic midfielder Massimo Donati’s header, while the lively Forrester drove an effort wide at the other end.
But Rangers were unable to find a winner, with concern as Waghorn limped off with a hamstring injury in the closing stages which left them playing with 10 men having already used all of their substitutes.
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