Rangers have avoided a third consecutive Scottish Premiership defeat thanks to a hard-fought 2-0 win over Motherwell on Wednesday night.

Back-to-back defeats to St Johnstone and Kilmarnock had piled the pressure on Graeme Murty but his charges put in a much-improved performance at Ibrox.

Well enjoyed the first real chance on goal in the opening minute when the ball broke to Craig Tanner on the edge of the area, but forward fired his shot straight at Wes Foderingham.

On 13 minutes, Nico Kranjcar forced a save from Trevor Carson before Alfredo Morelos pounced on the rebound but could only scoop his effort high over the bar.

The opening half was largely a scrappy affair with the most notable incidents being injuries to both sides, Carl McHugh suffering a head knock and Ryan Jack stretchered off.

The hosts went on to open the scoring on 50 minutes when a corner kick fell to Danny Wilson inside the penalty area and the 26-year-old rifled home from a right angle.

Gers then doubled their lead on 76 minutes through Morelos, who converted from inside the penalty area after beating the offside trap on his way through on goal.

The result sees Gers consolidate their hold on third place, while Motherwell are eighth in the standings.

Rangers (4-1-2-1-2): Foderingham; Tavernier, Alves, Wilson, John; McCrorie; Jack (Barjonas 41'), Holt; Kranjcar (Pena 83'); Morelos (Hardie 84'), Herrera

Motherwell (3-5-2): Carson; Kipre, Hartley, Dunne; Tait, Bigirimana, McHugh (Campbell 20'), Grimshaw, Rose (Bowman 62'); Fisher (Newell 78'), Tanner