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Rangers backed up crucial news off the field with an important win on it against Dumbarton.

Hours after a deal was agreed to keep Rangers solvent, Lee McCulloch's angst at seeing his penalty saved was eased by Kenny Miller putting Rangers ahead.

But for a misplaced Mark Gilhaney cut-back to Colin Nish, Dumbarton could have earlier been ahead.

Lee Wallace's low, swept finish and Kris Boyd's header wrapped up the victory in the second half.

A fourth win in a row for Ally McCoist's men reduces the gap on Scottish Championship leaders Hearts to six points, for 24 hours at least.

Rangers will hope Hibernian can take points from Sunday's Edinburgh derby.

But even if they do not, many associated with the Ibrox side will just be glad the £2m loan from Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley has ensured possible administration is avoided.

Dumbarton, managed by former Rangers player Ian Murray, go four games without a win, but should have taken the lead in an encounter played largely in wind and rain.

Gilhaney robbed McCulloch of possession on the byline and looked to tee up Nish, but the pass was played behind the tall striker and the chance was gone.

Rangers went right up the other end and got a penalty.

Referee Andrew Dallas believed Dumbarton right-back David van Zanten had bundled Wallace over, much to the anger of the home fans, who felt it was soft.

However, on-loan Aberdeen goalkeeper Danny Rogers dived low to his left to deny McCulloch a sixth goal of the season.

The delight of the Dumbarton supporters did not last long, though, when Miller grabbed his third of the campaign two minutes later.

He hit Stevie Smith's low cross high into the net from a couple of yards out.

One further Nish header aside, Dumbarton failed to trouble Steve Simonsen in the Rangers goalmouth, leaving Wallace and Boyd to make the points safe.

Wallace's 12-yard finish was impressive after a run from deep and exchange of passes with Miller, while Boyd showed good technique to rise and head in another precise Smith delivery.