Hibernian 0 - 1 Rangers: Job done as no-nonsense Rangers earn their due

• Kyle Lafferty celebrates scoring the goal which won Rangers the league

Kyle Lafferty added his name to those of Colin Stein and Nacho Novo on the list of Rangers strikers who have netted championship-winning goals for the Ibrox club at Easter Road. If this certainly lacked the drama of those occasions in 1975 and 2005, nothing could diminish the joyous satisfaction of Walter Smith and his players as they stretched Rangers' record-breaking tally of domestic titles to 53.

Significantly, it is also the first time in a decade Rangers have successfully defended the crown. Debate may rage over the quality of the squad bound together under Smith through fiscally troubled and restrictive times. There can be no argument, however, that they have been Scotland's best during that period. As in so many of their performances, there was a conspicuous absence of swagger and flair yesterday. But they can never be accused of lacking conviction or resilience, qualities Smith has distilled to tremendous effect in collecting six trophies for the club since his return as manager three-and-a-half years ago.

More often than not, Smith has made the right call at the right time. His decision to relegate Kris Boyd to the substitutes' bench yesterday required little in the way of justification, given the striker's insipid form in recent months. The manager's selection of Lafferty as Kenny Miller's partner was fully vindicated nonetheless when the gangling Ulsterman ensured those Rangers fans fortunate enough to secure tickets were in party mood from the 17th minute onwards.

It was a superbly executed goal from Lafferty, his third in his last four games, and one which provided further evidence of a level of ability which has all too often been hidden during his first two seasons with the Ibrox club.

The source of the goal would infuriate Hibs manager John Hughes as his defence showed lamentable vulnerability once more in failing to react to a long clearance from Allan McGregor. There was no such hesitancy from Kenny Miller who showed great awareness to flick the ball into the path of Lafferty who had peeled to his left. Holding off Chris Hogg and cutting inside, Lafferty drove a precise low left foot shot beyond Graeme Smith's left hand into the corner of the net.

Miller's link-up play remained of the highest order as Rangers pursued a second goal to further ease their path towards the finishing line. He picked out Steven Davis with one spectacular crossfield pass, only for the midfielder to struggle to get the ball under immediate control on the fiery surface. Davis eventually managed to square the ball towards Kevin Thomson in the penalty area but Smith was quickly off his line to smother, the former Hibs captain succeeding only in earning himself a booking for a late challenge on the keeper.

Hibs, as they had the previous weekend at Celtic Park, enjoyed some slick and eye-catching periods of possession but found it difficult to make much of an impression on a Rangers defence without the service of Madjid Bougherra who was absent because of a calf injury. The ever-versatile Lee McCulloch slotted in alongside the ever-present SPL presence of captain David Weir at the heart of the back four.

Derek Riordan appeared the most likely source of any encouragement for the home side and he caused real concern for Allan McGregor with a dipping and swerving shot from all of 30 yards which the Rangers goalkeeper could only parry unconvincingly. Hibs' only clear scoring opportunity of the first half fell to a defender when John Rankin's corner from the right found Paul Hanlon on the edge of the six yard box. Under no great pressure, the young defender sent his header narrowly wide of McGregor's right hand post.

Both teams made changes at the start of the second half, Hibs in personnel and Rangers in formation. Steven Thicot replaced the injured Hogg at the back for the home side, while Smith's redeployment saw Lafferty drop back into a wide midfield role to leave Miller on his own up front.

Rangers' more cautious approach was understandable in the circumstances, although not without an element of risk. Hibs came close to an equaliser once more in the 55th minute when David Wotherspoon latched onto a clever flick from Anthony Stokes and was unfortunate to see his rasping first time shot fly narrowly off target.

As Hibs tried to build up some momentum, they had loud appeals for a penalty rejected when Riordan went down under Steven Whittaker's challenge. Referee Willie Collum was perfectly positioned, however, and waved away appeals.

There were further moments of alarm for Rangers, most notably when a sweetly struck shot from Riordan forced McGregor into a fine diving save, and they had to withstand a flurry of corner kicks against them in the closing minutes as Hibs desperately tried to salvage the draw which would have boosted their Europa League ambitions and dragged the title race into another weekend. It was an outcome Hibs would have deserved on the day, but no-one can dispute Rangers have emerged as worthy champions over the past nine months.

• Rangers fans celebrate at the final whistle

MAN OF THE MATCH

David Weir (Rangers)

While Derek Riordan was comfortably the most skilful performer on view, the veteran Rangers captain was certainly the most influential. Unflustered throughout, it was another solid and intelligent display from the man who will celebrate his 40th birthday in a fortnight.

• Walter Smith heaps praise on Rangers squad for 'special' title triumph

• Walter Smith dedicates title to cash-strapped Rangers side who beat the odds

• Alan Pattullo: Rangers fans bring colour to title party, but late arrival Nacho proves a crass act

• Kyle Lafferty enjoys last laugh with moment that decides SPL race

• Rangers keeper Allan McGregor makes up for his absence last year