Hearts came from behind to beat Rangers at Ibrox as the home side's players awaited news of their futures from the club's administrators.

Rangers captain Steven Davis broke the deadlock with a low shot on the stroke of half-time.

Ian Black's impressive shot levelled the match 13 minutes into the second half.

Jamie Hamill grabbed Hearts' winner with a rebound shot after having his penalty attempt saved.

And the defeat may prove to be the final appearance for several Rangers players, with an announcement on job cuts expected on Monday.

Motherwell's win at Dunfermline puts them just three points behind second-place Rangers in the Scottish Premier League while Hearts' victory moves them up to fifth.

Rangers captain Steven Davis

Davis had given Rangers the lead

The Edinburgh side threatened early on with Rangers goalkeeper Allan McGregor forced to deal with a Danny Grainger cross under pressure from Andy Webster before Andy Driver fired wide.

At the other end, Black cleared off the line after Sone Aluko's corner swung towards goal and Rangers debutant Rhys McCabe tested MacDonald with a long-range strike.

McCabe was a threat to the Hearts goal again, meeting Salim Kerkar's cross and forcing MacDonald to turn wide.

But MacDonald was beaten in first-half injury time, although he may feel he should have done better at the opening goal.

Media conference - Rangers manager Ally McCoist

Andy Little's cross found Davis near the penalty spot and his low shot squirmed under the keeper.

Hearts introduced recent signing Craig Beattie for his debut at the start of the second half, the striker coming on for Darren Barr in a change of shape from the visitors.

Rangers came close to a second when Carlos Bocanegra's header from McCabe's free-kick slipped wide.

The visitors levelled when Robinson's header was cleared off the line by Bocanegra only for Black to retrieve on the edge of the box and curl a shot over McGregor into the net.

MacDonald touched Little's angled strike out for a corner, from which Dorin Goian headed over as Rangers tried to regain the lead.

Little ran on to McCabe's incisive through ball but MacDonald was brave as he saved at the forward's feet moments before Lee McCulloch's penalty appeal against Grainger's challenge was turned down.

But referee Crawford Allan did point to the spot at the other end after Goian held on to Marius Zaliukas in the box and the Romanian and his defensive team-mate Bocanegra were both booked in the aftermath of the decision.

Hamill's spot-kick was saved by McGregor but the full-back coverted the rebound with 11 minutes remaining.

Rangers pressed for a leveller but Hearts were dogged in defence as they held on for the three points and their first win at Ibrox since May 2004.

Lineup, Bookings (7) & Substitutions (4)

Rangers

  • 01 McGregor
  • 02 Goian Booked
  • 12 Wallace
  • 18 Bocanegra Booked
  • 32 Perry
  • 06 McCulloch Booked
  • 08 Davis
  • 19 Aluko (Celik - 65' )
  • 41 McCabe Booked
  • 28 Kerkar
  • 34 Little

Substitutes

  • 25 Alexander
  • 21 Bedoya
  • 24 Celik
  • 27 Wylde
  • 40 Andrew Mitchell
  • 15 Healy
  • 38 Hemmings

Heart of Midlothian

  • 30 MacDonald
  • 03 Grainger
  • 05 Barr Booked (Beattie - 46' )
  • 06 Webster
  • 26 Zaliukas Booked
  • 02 Hamill
  • 08 Black (Taouil - 73' )
  • 11 Driver
  • 31 Mrowiec
  • 23 Glen Booked (McGowan - 84' )
  • 27 Robinson

Substitutes

  • 28 Ridgers
  • 17 McGowan
  • 19 Skacel
  • 21 Taouil
  • 42 Holt
  • 04 Beattie
  • 38 Morton
Ref: Crawford
Att: 47,276

Match Stats

Shots

8 4

On target

5 2

Corners

3 3

Fouls

9 11

Live Text Commentary

77:52 Penalty

Penalty taken by Jamie Hamill saved by Allan McGregor. Rangers 1-1 Hearts.

76:08

Marius Zaliukas fouled by Dorin Goian, the ref awards a Penalty.

94:13 Full time

Full Time The referee signals the end of the game.

90:00 +2:24

Foul by Lee McCulloch (Rangers) on Ryan McGowan (Hearts). Free kick taken right-footed by Andy Webster (Hearts) from own half, resulting in open play.

90:00 +1:50

Corner from right by-line taken short right-footed by Scott Robinson (Hearts).

90:00 +0:32

Goal kick taken long by Jamie MacDonald (Hearts).

89:47 Booking

Booking Rhys McCabe (Rangers) booked for dissent.

88:11

Goal kick taken short by Allan McGregor (Rangers).

86:50

Attacking throw-in by Daniel Grainger (Hearts).

84:10

Foul by Jamie Hamill (Hearts) on Lee Wallace (Rangers). Free kick crossed right-footed by Steven Davis (Rangers) from left wing, clearance by Daniel Grainger (Hearts).

83:39 Substitution

Substitution Hearts substitution: Gary Glen replaced by Ryan McGowan (tactical).

83:35 Booking

Booking Gary Glen (Hearts) booked for unsporting behaviour.

82:43

Goal kick taken long by Jamie MacDonald (Hearts).

82:26

Attacking throw-in by Ross Perry (Rangers).

82:21

Cross by Steven Davis (Rangers), clearance by Marius Zaliukas (Hearts).

80:25

Free kick taken right-footed by Rhys McCabe (Rangers) from right channel (25 yards), over the bar.

80:25 Booking

Booking Lee McCulloch (Rangers) booked for dissent.

80:02

Foul by Marius Zaliukas (Hearts) on Lee McCulloch (Rangers).

78:06 Goal scored

Goal - Jamie Hamill - Rangers 1 - 2 Hearts Goal by Jamie Hamill (Hearts) right-footed (bottom-left of goal) from centre of penalty area (12 yards).Rangers 1-2 Hearts.

77:52 Penalty

Placed penalty taken right-footed by Jamie Hamill (Hearts) (bottom-left of goal), save (punched) by Allan McGregor (Rangers).

76:28 Booking

Booking Carlos Bocanegra (Rangers) booked for dissent.

76:08

Foul by Dorin Goian (Rangers) on Marius Zaliukas (Hearts).

75:54 Booking

Booking Dorin Goian (Rangers) booked for unsporting behaviour.

75:08

Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by Daniel Grainger (Hearts) to far post, resulting in open play.

74:35

Goal kick taken long by Jamie MacDonald (Hearts).

74:09

Defending throw-in by Jamie Hamill (Hearts).

73:52

Cross by Andrew Little (Rangers), clearance by Jamie Hamill (Hearts).

73:30 Booking

Booking Marius Zaliukas (Hearts) booked for unsporting behaviour.

73:20

Defending throw-in by Jamie Hamill (Hearts).

72:49 Substitution

Substitution Hearts substitution: Ian Black replaced by Mehdi Taouil (tactical).

71:33

Foul by Dorin Goian (Rangers) on Andy Webster (Hearts). Free kick taken right-footed by Daniel Grainger (Hearts) from left channel, resulting in open play.

70:41

Defending throw-in by Daniel Grainger (Hearts).

70:33

Cross by Salim Kerkar (Rangers), resulting in ball out of play.

69:32

Attacking throw-in by Ross Perry (Rangers).

68:23

Attacking throw-in by Ross Perry (Rangers).

67:31

Foul by Mervan Celik (Rangers) on Andy Webster (Hearts). Free kick taken right-footed by Andy Webster (Hearts) from own half, resulting in open play.

65:48

Cross by Salim Kerkar (Rangers), save (caught) by Jamie MacDonald (Hearts).

64:29

Goal kick taken long by Allan McGregor (Rangers).

64:07 Substitution

Substitution Rangers substitution: Sone Aluko replaced by Mervan Celik (tactical).

62:58

Goal kick taken long by Jamie MacDonald (Hearts).

62:21

Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Rhys McCabe (Rangers) to near post, header by Dorin Goian (Rangers) from left side of penalty area (6 yards), over the bar.

62:08

Shot by Andrew Little (Rangers) right-footed from right side of penalty area (12 yards), save (tipped round post) by Jamie MacDonald (Hearts).

61:02

Shot by Sone Aluko (Rangers) left-footed from right channel (20 yards), save (caught) by Jamie MacDonald (Hearts).

60:37

Attacking throw-in by Andrew Driver (Hearts).

58:37

Foul by Carlos Bocanegra (Rangers) on Craig Beattie (Hearts). Free kick taken right-footed by Andy Webster (Hearts) from right channel, resulting in open play.

57:09

Assist (pass) by Craig Beattie (Hearts) from right channel.

57:09 Goal scored

Goal - Ian Black - Rangers 1 - 1 Hearts Goal by Ian Black (Hearts) right-footed (top-left of goal) from right channel (25 yards).Rangers 1-1 Hearts.

56:42

Attacking throw-in by Daniel Grainger (Hearts).

55:04

Foul by Ross Perry (Rangers) on Daniel Grainger (Hearts). Free kick crossed right-footed by Ian Black (Hearts) from left by-line, clearance by Salim Kerkar (Rangers).

53:11

Defending throw-in by Lee Wallace (Rangers).

51:01

Goal kick taken long by Jamie MacDonald (Hearts).

50:16

Foul by Andy Webster (Hearts) on Andrew Little (Rangers). Free kick taken right-footed by Rhys McCabe (Rangers) from left channel, header by Carlos Bocanegra (Rangers) from right side of penalty area (12 yards), missed right.

48:59

Attacking throw-in by Daniel Grainger (Hearts).

48:14

Attacking throw-in by Lee Wallace (Rangers).

47:27

Attacking throw-in by Jamie Hamill (Hearts).

46:18

Attacking throw-in by Daniel Grainger (Hearts).

45:10

Attacking throw-in by Ross Perry (Rangers).

45:01

The referee gets the second half started.

45:01 Substitution

Substitution Hearts substitution: Darren Barr replaced by Craig Beattie (tactical).

45:00 +1:25 Half time

Half Time The ref blows to signal half-time.

45:00 +0:27

Assist (pass) by Andrew Little (Rangers) from right wing.

45:00 +0:27 Goal scored

Goal - Steven Davis - Rangers 1 - 0 Hearts Goal by Steven Davis (Rangers) left-footed (bottom-right of goal) from right side of penalty area (12 yards).Rangers 1-0 Hearts.

44:32

Goal kick taken long by Allan McGregor (Rangers).

41:49

Inswinging corner from left by-line taken right-footed by Steven Davis (Rangers) to far post, save (punched) by Jamie MacDonald (Hearts).

41:35

Shot by Andrew Little (Rangers) right-footed from right side of penalty area (12 yards), save (tipped round post) by Jamie MacDonald (Hearts).

40:27

Goal kick taken long by Allan McGregor (Rangers).

37:29

Free kick taken right-footed by Carlos Bocanegra (Rangers) from left channel, resulting in open play.

37:29 Booking

Booking Darren Barr (Hearts) booked for unsporting behaviour.

37:24

Foul by Darren Barr (Hearts) on Steven Davis (Rangers).

36:58

Attacking throw-in by Ross Perry (Rangers).

36:24

Defending throw-in by Ross Perry (Rangers).

35:50

Goal kick taken long by Allan McGregor (Rangers).

35:16

Foul by Andrew Little (Rangers) on Daniel Grainger (Hearts). Free kick taken right-footed by Jamie MacDonald (Hearts) from own half, passed.

34:08

Foul by Lee Wallace (Rangers) on Scott Robinson (Hearts). Free kick taken right-footed by Andy Webster (Hearts) from own half, passed.

33:00

Cross by Andrew Driver (Hearts), resulting in open play.

30:46

Defending throw-in by Marius Zaliukas (Hearts).

28:41

Defending throw-in by Ross Perry (Rangers).

27:13

Cross by Andrew Little (Rangers), resulting in open play.

27:00

Defending throw-in by Daniel Grainger (Hearts).

25:05

Attacking throw-in by Lee Wallace (Rangers).

24:33

Goal kick taken short by Allan McGregor (Rangers).

24:20

Shot by Daniel Grainger (Hearts) left-footed from left channel (30 yards), missed left.

23:56

Foul by Rhys McCabe (Rangers) on Ian Black (Hearts). Free kick taken right-footed by Ian Black (Hearts) from right channel, resulting in open play.

23:17

Goal kick taken long by Jamie MacDonald (Hearts).

23:01

Defending throw-in by Ross Perry (Rangers).

21:56

Cross by Sone Aluko (Rangers), clearance by Andy Webster (Hearts).

21:45

Cross by Salim Kerkar (Rangers), clearance by Daniel Grainger (Hearts).

21:15

Goal kick taken long by Allan McGregor (Rangers).

20:05

Goal kick taken short by Allan McGregor (Rangers).

19:17

Cross by Andrew Little (Rangers), save (caught) by Jamie MacDonald (Hearts).

18:38

Foul by Darren Barr (Hearts) on Lee Wallace (Rangers). Free kick crossed right-footed by Steven Davis (Rangers) from left wing, save (punched) by Jamie MacDonald (Hearts).

15:46

Foul by Scott Robinson (Hearts) on Salim Kerkar (Rangers). Free kick crossed right-footed by Steven Davis (Rangers) from left wing, resulting in open play.

15:16

Shot by Rhys McCabe (Rangers) volleyed right-footed from right channel (30 yards), save (caught) by Jamie MacDonald (Hearts).

14:49

Foul by Marius Zaliukas (Hearts) on Lee McCulloch (Rangers). Free kick crossed right-footed by Steven Davis (Rangers) from left channel, resulting in open play.

14:24

Foul by Darren Barr (Hearts) on Salim Kerkar (Rangers). Free kick taken right-footed by Allan McGregor (Rangers) from own half, resulting in open play.

14:03

Attacking throw-in by Daniel Grainger (Hearts).

10:47

Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by Sone Aluko (Rangers) to near post, clearance by Ian Black (Hearts).

9:54

Foul by Ian Black (Hearts) on Sone Aluko (Rangers). Free kick crossed right-footed by Steven Davis (Rangers) from right channel, resulting in open play.

9:12

Defending throw-in by Jamie Hamill (Hearts).

8:40

Foul by Daniel Grainger (Hearts) on Sone Aluko (Rangers). Free kick crossed right-footed by Steven Davis (Rangers) from right channel, resulting in ball out of play.

7:25

Foul by Darren Barr (Hearts) on Salim Kerkar (Rangers). Free kick taken right-footed by Steven Davis (Rangers) from left channel, passed.

5:39

Goal kick taken long by Allan McGregor (Rangers).

5:20

Shot by Andrew Driver (Hearts) volleyed left-footed from left channel (20 yards), missed right.

4:58

Inswinging corner from right by-line taken left-footed by Daniel Grainger (Hearts) to centre, resulting in open play.

4:21

Attacking throw-in by Jamie Hamill (Hearts).

3:51

Gary Glen (Hearts) caught offside. Free kick taken right-footed by Dorin Goian (Rangers) from own half, passed.

3:32

Defending throw-in by Daniel Grainger (Hearts).

2:52

Attacking throw-in by Ross Perry (Rangers).

1:53

Attacking throw-in by Ross Perry (Rangers).

0:38

Defending throw-in by Daniel Grainger (Hearts).

0:00

The game gets underway.

Live text and data provided by The Press Association