Rangers took advantage of their Scottish Premiership quarter-final playoff with a 2-1 victory over Queen of the South in the first leg.
The home side had an early chance to take the lead at Palmerston, but Derek Lyle's header from Daniel Carmichael's cross was well held by Cammy Bell.
Kenny Miller had the ball in the net for Rangers after 10 minutes, but his strike was ruled out for offside.
Just before half time, Steven Smith's free kick from 30 yards out went in off the crossbar to give Rangers the lead.
Rangers attacked immediately after the break, but keeper Zander Clark was on hand to deny strikes from Miller and Smith.
Just after the hour mark, Queen of the South were level when Lyle head in from the back post.
However, Rangers restored their advantage thanks to Dean Shiels, who flicked in a header after Richard Foster played him in.
The visitors held on to take a one-goal lead to Ibrox for next week's second leg.
Michael Hincks
