Rangers suffered just their second SPL defeat of the season after losing 2-1 to in-form Hearts.
Quick-fire goals enough to sink Rangers
Rangers suffered just their second SPL defeat of the season after losing 2-1 to in-form Hearts at Tynecastle.
Although Walter Smith's side made the better start Hearts drew first blood when Marius Zaliukas was on hand to turn the ball home after Allan McGregor superbly kept out Christophe Berra's header.
Hearts doubled their advantage within minutes through Laryea Kingston's point-blank header, but Christos Karipidis' own goal soon after from Charlie Adam's free-kick gave the visitors hope.
The home side were forced to see out the final stages a man light when Lee Wallace was given his marching orders after two silly quick-fire fouls on Chris Burke, but they still managed to hold on.
Hearts had the first chance when the ball broke to Andrew Driver and he had a go from the edge of the area but the shot was comfortably held by McGregor.
At the other end, Kirk Broadfoot set up Kris Boyd with a cross from the right but the striker's header from six yards was gathered by Jamie MacDonald.
Opening spell
Hearts had the best of the opening spell but Rangers had the opportunity to gain an early advantage with a free-kick just outside the box after Robbie Neilson handled the ball.
Pedro Mendes played the set-piece short to Boyd but he blasted well wide of the target.
It was Hearts who took the lead after 20 minutes when Bruno Aguiar's free-kick found Berra and his header was saved by McGregor. The ball broke to Zaliukas, who rifled home the rebound.
Hearts increased their lead just three minutes later, with another set-piece from Aguiar wreaking havoc in the box. Berra again connected and saw his header blocked by McGregor before Kingston bundled over the line with his head.
Rangers were undeterred and pulled a goal back with 26 minutes on the clock.
Karipidis and Boyd both rose in the box to meet a Charlie Adam free-kick, the Hearts player's header came off the underside of the bar and Karipidis succeeded only in helping the ball into his own net in his attempts to clear.
Kingston was then unfortunate not to add to his tally and restore Hearts' two-goal advantage shortly before the break when he swiped at fresh air at the near post after being set up for the shot by Aguiar.
First change
Rangers made their first change 10 minutes after the restart when Adam was withdrawn, allowing Burke to make his first appearance of the season.
Kingston was still looking dangerous for Hearts and drew an impressive save from McGregor from a powerful long-range drive, as the home side attempted to add to their lead.
That proved to be his last contribution to the game as he was replaced by Eggert Jonsson with just over an hour gone.
With time fast running out for Rangers, Nacho Novo was thrown into the action in place of Jean-Claude Darcheville.
The Ibrox side's cause was then aided when Wallace picked up his second yellow card for a foul on Burke and was dismissed with 14 minutes to go.
Rangers claimed a penalty at the end with Neilson appearing to pull at Boyd's jersey but no award was forthcoming and they returned to Ibrox empty-handed.
