Motherwell take control of final

The Light Blues are desperate to fight their way back to the top division after three years in the lower-league wilderness.

But it is Ian Baraclough's team who now look set to preserve their 30-year top-flight run after goals from Stephen McManus and Lionel Ainsworth put daylight between the teams after Rangers defender Darren McGregor had earlier deflected Lee Erwin's shot into his own net.

McGregor did pull one back for the hosts late on but they face a huge task if they are to rescue their promotion bid in Sunday's Fir Park return.