Rangers 1-2 Motherwell, Autumn 1993

A sensational win at the start of a sensational season. We had made an excellent opening to the league campaign but a trip to Ibrox mid-week did not promise a certain win. We were coping reasonably well until Ian Ferguson opened the scoring but rather than folding we collected ourselves and fought back superbly. Dougie Arnott scored a great equaliser and then got the winner later after being set up by Steve Kirk who had pounced on a defensive error. We eventually finished the season in third place – a sloppy finish costing a deserved runners up spot.

Chances at Ibrox have been rare

Motherwell 3-0 Rangers, May 1991

When Rangers arrived at Fir Park on a sunny May day they expected little resistance on their way to wrapping up the league title. We had a cup final to look forward to but what a shock we had in store for the visitors! John Philliben opened the scoring with a thunderous shot off the underside of the bar before the champions elect came back into the game. They looked certain to equalise with a second half penalty but Mark Walters blasted the ball high over the bar. As they forced forward searching for a goal we hit them on the break not once but twice through Dougie Arnott. Rangers had been routed and the title was in the hands of Aberdeen – for a week, at least. We finished comfortably in mid-table. Oh, and we won the cup…

Motherwell 1-0 Rangers, Dec 2002

In a season that pitched from extreme high to extreme low this was a remarkable triumph. We had already defeated Celtic – to spark an eleven game winless run! – but we had a brilliant December, already thrashing Hearts 6-1 and picking up two away points. Now Rangers were visiting on Boxing Day and we were clear second favourites. The game was fairly dismal but we got the only goal – Faddy knocking home Dirk Lehmann’s header. Although Rangers were poor, they almost snatched an equaliser in the last minute but Francois DuBourdeau made himself a hero with a full stretch diving save to deny Billy Dodds. Rangers won the league title by a goal or two and also defeated us 4-3 in an enthralling cup semi final. We came bottom of the league and only escaped relegation on a technicality.

Kaiser up against it

Motherwell 1-0 Rangers, Oct 1998

Harri Kampman leaving the club may not have been a shock but eyebrows were raised when Billy Davies was promoted from player to manager to take his place. Davies’ managerial career couldn’t have got off to a more auspicious start – a 5-0 gubbing at McDiarmid Park – but then Boyle opened the cheque book and produced Ged Brannan and John Spencer. They both made their debuts mid-week against Rangers and played brilliantly. When Brannan played a quick free kick into the box from the wing, Spencer reacted first, spun and shot home. Rangers missed an absolute barrel of chances including an open goal shocker from Numan but we held on for the win. We eventually finished 7^th that season.

Rangers 0-2 Motherwell, May 1997

We had to save the best for last…Bank Holiday Monday and Rangers only needed to defeat lowly Motherwell at Ibrox to wrap up nine in a row. A conga had been planned from Ibrox to George Square as the Rangers fans waited on the inevitable. A loss would leave us destined for the relegation play off where Airdrie were licking their lips in anticipation. But we made a good start to the game…Coyle eventually converted a chance and for the next twenty minutes we pounded them and missed several opportunities. We got a break when they hit the bar but that was their only chance. We played out a smart second half and when Micky Weir was hauled down in the box we had the chance to seal the game. Coyle sent Dibble the wrong way and we were in a position to save ourselves. Rangers won nine in a row a few days later and we escaped the play offs thanks to a Van Der Gaag thunderbolt.