RANGERS are a point closer to the finishing line in the Premiership. But this will feel like two squandered rather than one gained for Steven Gerrard’s side as they were held for only the third time this term.

Not since the draw at Easter Road back in September have the Gers failed to win on league duty. On the day they could have moved 23 points clear of Celtic, they could only add one to their tally as Cedric Itten earned them a draw against Motherwell.

The point for the Steelmen and new boss Graham Alexander could be crucial in their battle to beat the drop. At the other end of the Premiership, Rangers have the breathing space to ensure that faltering at Fir Park doesn’t prove costly for them in the title race.

A Devante Cole strike in the first half gave Motherwell a chance of becoming the first side to beat Rangers in the league this term. In the end, Gerrard’s side would preserve that record as their winning run came to an end just as they had the finishing line in sight this term.

Rangers had a unique challenge to overcome at Ibrox as Motherwell set up in the infamous 5-5-0 formation in one of Stephen Robinson’s final matches in charge. His successor Alexander was more orthodox in his approach here, and certainly more attacking.

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The plan at Ibrox had been to nick a goal and then defend it, attempt to stifle and frustrate Rangers. It took Motherwell longer to break the deadlock this time around, but they were worthy of their advantage against a lackadaisical and lacklustre Rangers.

Given what is at stake and the opportunity that they had, it was hard to fathom just why Gerrard’s side were so off it for long spells. The goal from Cole did raise their levels slightly, but it wasn’t enough as they trailed at the break and could have no complaints about doing so.

They would get into some promising positions, but the finishing touches were not there as crosses were cleared and openings closed. In terms of tempo and quality, Rangers just weren’t at it during a surprisingly ragged and wretched first half.

There was plenty to admire about Alexander’s side in terms of their shape and their pressing and their efforts paid off after 20 minutes as they took the lead they would retain at the interval.

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A low drive early on from Allan Campbell was a sign of their intentions to be more purposeful with the ball on this occasion and they would exploit a weakness in the Rangers defence to break the deadlock.

The build-up was patient down the left and Liam Polworth slipped in Tony Watt. He had time to pick out his man and it was Cole that was in the right place at the right time to convert from close range.

The failure to stop crosses at source has been a real point of consternation for Gerrard in recent times and that mistake, coupled with some misjudged positional play from Leon Balogun, cost Rangers. It was such an avoidable goal to lose, but one that Motherwell rightly savoured.

The efforts from Rangers to pull themselves level ranged from near misses to high and wild. A glancing header from Alfredo Morelos was narrowly wide of Liam Kelly’s left post, while an attempt from Glen Kamara was closer to clearing the Davie Cooper Stand that hitting the target.

That effort summed up Rangers in the first half and there would surely have been some stern words from Gerrard once his side had traipsed back up the stairs that lead to the makeshift away dressing room at Fir Park.

The team that re-emerged certainly had more intent about it. A snap shot from Ianis Hagi didn’t worry Kelly, but the keeper did save well from Ryan Kent on the angle just minutes after the winger failed to hit the target as he stretched to get his head on a Hagi cross.

It had taken Rangers far too long, but they finally looked a threat and Itten would arrive in place of Hagi. It was Connor Goldson who almost pulled Gerrard’s side level, though, as his header was cleared by Cole on the line as the striker played his part at the other end of the park.

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Motherwell were penned in by this stage. The pressure was building, but the goal still wouldn’t come as nobody in blue could convert when James Tavernier nodded a cross back into the danger area.

Thankfully for Gerrard, Itten was on hand the next time the chance was there. The cross from Borna Barisic was pinpoint and the header from the Swiss was clinical as he scored for the fourth time in three outings against the Steelmen this season.

Like at Ibrox, Rangers had been forced to wait for their goal. Now they had the winner in their sights going into the final 15 minutes.

That window was reduced by half by the time that Gerrard turned to his bench again and introduced Jermain Defoe in place of Morelos. With seconds remaining, the striker unleashed a low shot that Kelly did well to save at the near post.

It was the moment that earned his side a share of the spoils. Motherwell will be pleased with their point, but Rangers were left to rue the fact that it wasn’t all three.