(Photo: Rangers)
Glasgow: Joe Dodoo scored a stoppage-time winner as Rangers came from behind to seal a 2-1 victory over Partick Thistle in a Glasgow derby at Firhill on Saturday.
Following a goalless first half the Jags looked to be on the verge of a first win over Rangers since 1993 when Kris Doolan grabbed a 76th-minute opener.
But their lead was short-lived as Dodoo fired in a sensational 81st-minute leveller for his first league goal since joining Rangers from Leicester City.
The English striker then popped up in the fourth minute of stoppage time to score his second of the match and claim the three points for the Ibrox club.
The win, only their third away from home this season, moves Rangers up to second in the Scottish Premiership where they trail Celtic, who face Aberdeen in Sunday's League Cup final, by eight points having played two games more.
"Credit to the players. They fought to the end like last week," said Rangers boss Mark Warburton, whose side also needed a stoppage-time winner to defeat Dundee last weekend.
"Their energy, their work ethic, their commitment and their desire were there for all to see."
Partick manager Alan Archibald couldn't hide his disappointment.
"I thought we put a lot into the game and didn't deserve to lose it," Archibald said.
"It has happened to us a few times but I think that's the worst it has felt."
Partick, who haven't won at home since the opening game of the season, made a positive start.
- Determination -
The first chance landed to David Amoo, whose fierce strike was parried into the path of Chris Erskine by Wes Foderingham but Rangers defender Rob Kiernan made a crucial intervention to block the follow-up.
Despite having made his debut for Hibernian 19 years ago and having also played for Rangers and Celtic in the top flight, this was Kenny Miller's first appearance at Firhill on first-team duty and the veteran should have marked the occasion with a goal, but his powerful header from close range was superbly stopped by Thorsten Stuckmann.
Rangers were then screaming for a penalty seconds after the restart when Abdul Osman appeared to slip before falling and hauling down the advancing Harry Forrester but referee Nick Walsh ignored their pleas.
Partick hadn't beaten Rangers in 23 years but Doolan put them in front in the 76th minute.
Doolan's initial header was softly blocked by James Tavernier, but the striker's determination saw him bundle the rebound home from close range.
Ryan Edwards then had the home fans off their seats moments later with a strike that Foderingham had to stretch to tip over the bar.
Their lead was short-lived, however, as Dodoo fired Rangers level.
Miller's lofted ball found Dodoo at the right-hand edge of the box and he sent a wonderful volley across the keeper and into the far corner of the net.
With the game deep into stoppage time Dodoo struck again.
Miller was the provider once more and Dodoo showed great composure to slip the ball under Stuckmann for the winner.
