Dundee United 2-1 Rangers

Rangers stumbled to a 2-1 defeat at Dundee United in a fast-flowing Scottish Premier League encounter which was decided by Barry Robson's penalty.

Victory hauled United level on 22 points with second place Rangers, although the latter enjoy a better goal difference. Champions Celtic are top of the standings with 25 points after crushing Motherwell 3-0 at home on Saturday.

Rangers manager Walter Smith refused to blame the defeat on fatigue following the club's midweek 0-0 draw with Barcelona in the Champions League.

'People keep saying that, but there is no excuse for that,' Smith told the BBC. 'It was on Tuesday night and we have had adequate respite and there's no reason why that should be the case.'

United took the lead with a magnificent goal from defender Lee Wilkie in the 28th minute as he guided a six-metre volley across keeper Allan McGregor and into the left side of the net following a deep free-kick by Willo Flood.

Rangers fought back after the interval and were level courtesy of a Daniel Cousin penalty after United's Norwegian defender Christian Kalvenes tripped American midfielder DaMarcus Beasley on 52 minutes.

French striker Cousin rolled a neat spot-kick into the right of the net with keeper Euan McLean diving in the opposite direction.

But United went 2-1 ahead just two minutes later from another penalty, this time conceded by Carlos Cuellar, who hauled Jordan Robertson to the ground as they jostled for a high ball.

United's Robson rammed the penalty straight down the middle into the net.