A long-range strike from Andy Murdoch has given Rangers a 1-0 lead over Raith Rovers at half time in their Scottish Championship clash at Stark's Park this evening.

Lee Wallace tried to set up Nicky Clark for an early chance for the visitors, but the striker, who is making his first start of the year for Rangers, fired the ball well high.

Kris Boyd came closer shortly after as he tried to head the ball in from a Wallace delivery, but his looping effort was kept out by the crossbar.

Rangers continued to look the more likely to open the scoring in the first 30 minutes as Haris Vuckic whipped the ball in for Clark, who nodded it just wide, before Lee McCulloch missed the target with another headed effort.

The visitors' pressure finally paid off shortly before the break when youth player Murdoch curled the ball into the top corner from 25 yards out.

Clark attempted to double Rangers' advantage in the final seconds of the first half, but his finish lacked power and went wide of the right post.