RANGERS edged closer to the Irn-Bru Third Division title yesterday, but almost as inevitable as their eventual coronation was the sending-off of midfielder Ian Black.

The former Hearts player seemed to be on a mission to self-destruct at Borough Briggs. After an early second-half booking, the Scotland international was on edge for the rest of the game. Everyone, including the Rangers bench, knew what was coming and shouted repeated instructions for him to calm down. And he almost made it too - until three minutes from the end.

After Lee McCulloch had converted a controversial penalty, Rangers could have done with all their players on the pitch as Elgin City – who took a point at Ibrox this season – fought with spirit to try to grab another draw.

Black then produced a late and unnecessary challenge on Elgin substitute Gavin Morrison. It wasn't vicious, it wasn't particularly dirty, just daft. The inevitable second yellow card was raised by referee David Somers, which produced an outraged response from manager Ally McCoist, who remonstrated with fourth official Mat Northcroft.

But perhaps Black would be better paying attention to the words of his captain, McCulloch. He said: "I feel for him a wee bit as he does get treated differently with his reputation, and I've been there myself, when I first came to the club. It's harsh but he has to deal with it and he's playing for Rangers, not a small team and he has to realise that. He just has to get on with it as the referee has made his decision. There's no point in arguing and moaning. The boys are right behind him."

Elgin manager Ross Jack had to stifle a laugh when asked if his side had targeted Black. He said: "Why would we target him? He's a good player, but he's not a genius. He's not someone that we would set our gameplan to stop. He's decent, he gets the ball, he's a good player. But no-one goes out to harm him."

Rangers actually launched into this game at full tilt, which may be a surprise to anyone who has watched them lately, but it was the least they could do after last week's humiliating defeat at home by Annan Athletic. Rangers bombarded the Elgin goal, but failed to make the breakthrough, despite several close attempts from Francisco Sandaza, Andy Little and Robbie Crawford.

But Elgin began to take heart from weathering the initial storm and caused plenty of problems of their own through striker Paul Millar. Daniel Moore clipped a free kick just over after Millar was fouled by Emilson Cribari.

The visitors stepped it up again in the second half and finally opened the scoring through a hotly debated, 73rd-minute penalty. Lee Wallace, Rangers' best player, burst through and went down under pressure from Sean Crighton and Jamie Duff. David Somers pointed to the spot, which infuriated Crighton so much he was booked.

He pointed out after the game that even Wallace had told him later it was not a spot kick, but it did not bother McCulloch, who easily netted. Then came that late Black red card.

McCoist, however, was adamant it was not a sending-off. He said: "I thought the second yellow was extremely harsh and I hope that Ian Black's reputation does not go before him. He was booked for three or four fouls and we told him that he had to stay on the park and stay on his feet.

"I thought he did. Ian does not have to change anything as he is in the thick of the action. I would like to see fewer yellow cards from him, but that may take something from his game."