SPL wrap: Rangers salvage draw, Motherwell start strong

Hearts held champions Rangers to a 1-1 draw on the opening day of the Scottish Premier League season.

Ally McCoist’s men needed a second-half equaliser from Steven Naismith to pick up a point in front of their home fans at Ibrox on Saturday.

Uganda international David Obua had given the visitors the lead on 16 minutes when he headed in a corner from full-back Danny Grainger as Hearts looked set for an upset.

But forward Naismith levelled 13 minutes into the second half, placing home a cross from Sasa Papac to earn Rangers a point.

Elsewhere, Motherwell recorded an impressive 3-0 win over Inverness CT.

First-half goals from Steven Hammell and Jamie Murphy set the hosts on their way at Fir Park before midfielder Keith Lasley sealed the win with less than 15 minutes to play.

Hammell’s deflected shot found the net on 25 minutes for a rare goal before a pass from Nicky Law put Murphy through to make it 2-0 moments later.

Lasley put in a third in the 77th minute in a comprehensive win for Stuart McCall’s team.

In the day’s other game, Aberdeen and St Johnstone played out a 0-0 draw.

Aberdeen midfielder Ryan Jack was sent off for a late tackle on Murray Davidson after 65 minutes but the visitors could not make the most of their numerical advantage.