Rangers open campaign with victory

GLASGOW, Scotland (Reuters) -- Captain Barry Ferguson scored twice to help Rangers to a 3-0 win away to Inverness Caledonian Thistle in their opening match of the Scottish Premier League season on Saturday.

Ferguson struck left-footed from 25 meters to give Rangers, last season's runners-up behind Celtic, the lead in the 16th minute.

Spanish striker Nacho Novo came off the bench to make it 2-0 in the 65th minute and Ferguson rounded off the scoring two minutes from time after taking advantage of a dreadful mistake from defender Ross Tokely.

Celtic begin the defense of their title at home to Kilmarnock on Sunday.

Elsewhere, Dundee United beat Aberdeen 1-0 with a late goal from David Robertson.

He pounced on a blunder by Andy Considine to rifle a shot into the roof of the net when the game seemed to be heading for a draw. United had Willo Flood sent off before halftime for his second bookable offence.

Newly promoted Gretna crashed to a 4-0 defeat against Falkirk in their first ever SPL game while St Mirren lost 1-0 at home to Motherwell with Steve McGarry grabbing the winner. E-mail to a friend

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