RANGERS have moved to the top of the Championship standings after a 5-1 win over Queen of the South at Palmerston.

Mark Warburton’s side made it eight wins from eight games this term as they eased to an impressive win in Dumfries and inflicted a first defeat of the league campaign on James Fowler’s side.

There was concern for the Gers boss, however, when skipper Lee Wallace had to leave the action early after suffering a knee injury.

That blow came just minutes after Andy Halliday had put Warburton’s side in front, the midfielder collecting a clever pass from Barrie McKay and finishing well into the far corner.

After Queens squandered a glorious chance late in the first half as Danny Wilson denied Derek Lyle, Rangers hammered home their superiority after the break.

Striker Lyle saw red after a head butt on Rob Kiernan before Martyn Waghorn fired home from the spot after Andy Dowie denied Dominic Ball a clear goal scoring opportunity.

When Jason Holt collected a Gedion Zelalem pass and converted at the second attempt, there was only going to be one winner in Dumfries.

Barrie McKay made it 4-0 as he finished off a move that saw Kenny Miller and Waghorn combine before the former Wigan striker blasted home from twelve yards for the second time of the afternoon, this time after Iain Russell was penalised for handball.

Russell did get a consolation for Queens as he beat Kiernan to a long ball from Dowie and beat Wes Foderingham.

But it was another impressive afternoon at the office for Warburton and his side as they continued their stunning start to the season in style.