A first-half hat-trick from Lee McCulloch has earned Rangers a comfortable 3-0 victory over Airdrieonians in their Scottish League One clash this evening.

The hosts took the lead in just three minutes of open play when Grant Adam brought down Andrew Little in the box, leaving McCulloch to tuck the penalty into the bottom corner.

Rangers won another penalty after 20 minutes as Jamie Bain fouled David Templeton, allowing McCulloch to steer home his second of the night from the spot.

The visitors tried to find a reply, as Darren McCormack saw his long-range effort nestle straight into the arms of Cammy Bell in the centre of goal.

Bell was in the way again before the break as he kept out James Lister's shot from the centre of the box.

McCulloch completed his hat-trick before the break when he got hold of Nicky Law's pass to drill the ball into the bottom corner.

The in-form striker was looking for a fourth after half time, but he saw his shot palmed away from the bottom corner.

In a game of few opportunities for the visitors, Lister tried to force something from distance but his effort was collected with ease, leaving the final score 3-0.