Nacho Novo struck two first-half goals as Rangers FC enjoyed a welcome return to goalscoring form ahead of Wednesday's UEFA Cup final, beating Dundee United FC 3-1 at Ibrox.

Novo broke the deadlock after just seven minutes when he headed in a Kevin Thomson free-kick and doubled the lead with a left-footed effort nine minutes later. It left Rangers, who had not scored more than two in nine outings in all competitions, on course for a morale-boosting victory ahead of their midweek showdown with FC Zenit St. Petersburg, but Walter Smith's side did not have it all their own way. Mark de Vries reduced the deficit with fourteen minutes remaining to set up a nervous finish until substitute Jean-Claude Darcheville made the points safe in added time.

The win moves Rangers within a point of Scottish Premier League leaders Celtic FC, who play Hibernian FC tomorrow, though the Light Blues have a game in hand.