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Buchanan chipped Simonsen to secure a point for Alloa

Liam Buchanan put a dent in Rangers' Scottish Championship title hopes by securing a point for Alloa at Ibrox.

Rangers had been largely frustrated by their visitors, with Kris Boyd and Lewis Macleod denied by goalkeeper Craig McDowall.

Lee McCulloch did put the home side ahead with a powerful close-range shot.

But Buchanan restored parity when his inventive chip beat Steve Simonsen after the goalkeeper had saved Kevin Cawley's initial effort.

And, with Hearts beating Falkirk later on Saturday, Ally McCoist's side trail the league leaders by six points ahead of next week's meeting of the top two at Tynecastle.

David Templeton missed a first-half chance for Rangers

Boyd was played through on Alloa's goal and looked well placed to score until McDowall dived well to save early on.

David Templeton should have done better when presented with a headed chance, the winger nodding Richard Foster's teasing delivery wide.

McDowall gathered after McCulloch nudged the ball forward in another Rangers attack and the visitors' confidence on the ball grew towards half-time.

Macleod, who was released by Scotland after spending the week training with the senior squad, crossed for Boyd to head wide early in the second half as McCoist's side started to show more urgency.

McDowall was tested by Macleod's curling shot and the midfielder played an important role in unlocking the Wasps' defence.

McCulloch struck to put Rangers in front

His corner delivery from the left was flicked on for the unmarked McCulloch to shoot powerfully into the net at the back post.

However, the Wasps were level within six minutes. Cawley turned and released a shot that was well blocked by Simonsen, but the goalkeeper could do nothing to prevent Buchanan converting the rebound.

Rangers had an excellent late chance to win it when a free-kick was deflected into the path of Sebastien Faure, but the defender's volley was off target.