Scottish Championship: Lewis Macleod's acrobatic effort clinches hard-thought victory for Rangers at Livingston

Lewis Macleod's incredible overhead kick provided Rangers with a much-needed victory as they beat Livingston 1-0 at the Energy Assets Arena.

The Ibrox men showed a measure of improvement as they kept themselves within six points of Scottish Championship leaders Hearts.

The game's only goal came as Macleod, who was returning after ankle problems saw him miss two weeks of action, netted his stunner after eight minutes - a carbon-copy of the wonder goal he scored against Ayr United last season.

The visitors wasted a number of chances to add to their score and secure the victory, with Kris Boyd in particular guilty of a miss as his goal drought entered its seventh game.

Livingston almost capitalised on a nervy and indecisive start from the visitors. Danny Mullen darted in between Lee McCulloch and Lee Wallace only to fire over from 20 yards out.

Rangers, however, broke the deadlock when Macleod crashed his stunning opener beyond Darren Jamieson. The hosts failed to clear Foster's throw-in beyond their box and paid the price as Ian Black lofted the loose ball to the back post where Macleod met it with acrobatic perfection.

Rangers almost added to their lead when Clark came close with a couple of half-chances.

Livi, on the other hand, were forced into a change midway through the half after Craig Sives appeared to be knocked out cold when Nicky Law smashed a powerful hit straight into the defender's face from point-blank range.

His replacement, striker Gary Glen, could only muster a weak shot at Steve Simonsen with his first chance of the match.

Rangers should have doubled their advantage early in the second period, only for Boyd's miserable luck in front of goal to haunt him again - the former Scotland striker has yet to score in the league this season.

Boyd's mortifying fresh-air swipe, however, summed up his afternoon and he was hooked soon after, replaced by Jon Daly.

A stunning save by Jamieson was required to keep out McCulloch's volley from 10 yards out but Rangers were in full command by this point.

Clark and Daly missed further chances to cement the result in the final 10 minutes as Rangers crawled over the line to ensure they have runaway leaders Hearts in their sights.