GERS' MAX FACTOR IS VITAL

Late winner a relief for boss Martin

- BY ANTHONY BROWN

MAX AARONS scored a stoppage-time winner as embattled Rangers boss Russell Martin eked out his first Premiership victory in six attempts with a 2-1 win at Livingston yesterday.

James Tavernier put the Gers in front midway through the first half but the captain blew the chance to extend the lead when his penalty was saved by Lions goalkeeper Jerome Prior.

The hosts capitalised on this reprieve to equalise through Mo Sylla after the break, leaving Rangers staring at the prospect of a sixth league game without a win - only for substitute Aarons to pop up in the dying moments and elevate the Light Blues from 11th to eighth in the table.

He also ensured some form of reprieve for Martin, again the subject of calls for his sacking during the game from a big support in West Lothian.

Lions boss Davie Martindale made three changes to the side that started the 3-2 defeat at Dundee as Andy Winter, Stevie May and debutant Mo Susoho replaced Shane Blaney, Tete Yengi and Robbie Muirhead.

There were also three changes to the Gers side after last week's Europa League defeat to Genk as Connor Barron, Oliver Antman and Bojan Miovski came in for Mohamed Diomande, Mikey Moore and Youssef Chermiti.

The visitors had an early opportunity when Djeidi Gassama cut in from the left and saw his shot blocked for a corner.