Ibrox skipper Barry Ferguson set the ball rolling when he opened the scoring just before the break but Gretna were back in the game just 40 seconds into the second half thanks to Kenny Deuchar.

Rangers then failed with three penalty claims before Cousin – who today pledged to remain at Ibrox despite being linked with several Barclays Premier League clubs – wrapped up all three points.

This was the first match to take place at Fir Park since Motherwell captain Phil O’Donnell collapsed and died of heart failure against Dundee United on December 29.

It was also Rangers’ first outing since facing United 10 days ago, after matches against St Mirren and East Stirling both fell victim to the weather.

Alan Hutton began a two-match suspension and was replaced at right-back by Steven Whittaker, who featured on the other flank last time. Sasa Papac returned at left-back, while Charlie Adam replaced Kevin Thomson in midfield.

Gretna handed a debut to on-loan Sheffield United full-back Kyle Naughton, while Danny Hall made his SPL bow after an appearance in 2-2 Scottish Cup draw with Morton at the weekend.

There was plenty at stake for both clubs tonight but for very different reasons. Victory would allow Rangers to put more daylight between themselves and Celtic at the top of the SPL, while rock-bottom Gretna were seeking a much-needed morale-boost.

Gretna were under pressure in the opening minutes when Papac pounced on a David Weir ball before cutting back into the path of Ferguson but the skipper was denied by a timely block from Hall.

At the other end, Gavin Skelton released Fabian Yantorno through on goal but the offside flag was raised well before the ball hit the back of the net.

Rangers looked most likely to open the scoring and Steven Naismith was not too far away when he rifled into the side-netting before pulling a shot wide of target at the near post.

Chris Burke then saw his opportune drive from 25 yards whistle inches over the crossbar, before setting up Ferguson who was unfortunate to see his effort fizz across the goalmouth before falling just wide of the upright.

Even though the game was still in the balance, Gretna made a switch with just half an hour gone when the ineffective Abdul Osman was sacrificed for Mickael Buscher.

Gretna should have taken the lead nine minutes before the break when Carlos Cuellar failed to prevent Deuchar’s run into the box and only the foot of goalkeeper Allan McGregor kept the scoreline level. Had Skelton been more aware, he could have stabbed the rebound into a gaping net.

Instead, it was Rangers who struck a minute before half-time. Cousin’s ball found Naismith and his flick-on was met by Ferguson, who left Tony Caig with no chance when he unleashed a thunderous volley from just inside the box.

The second half was just 40 seconds old when Gretna hauled themselves back on level terms.

Skelton won the ball and found Allan Jenkins, who delivered a superb cross onto the head of Deuchar to nod past McGregor from six yards.

Then followed a whole bunch of controversial decisions which had the Rangers technical area in uproar.

Cousin went to ground under pressure from Hall, before Naismith made a more convincing claim for a penalty after being felled by Aurelien Collin 60 seconds later.

Caig then appeared to handle outside the area but remained on the park when stand-side assistant Steve Pullar signalled for play to continue.

Rangers’ fury was compounded when Naismith’s jersey appeared to be tugged by Craig Barr and referee Iain Brines initially pointed to the spot before realising Pullar had flagged for offside.

When Rangers did find the back of the net again with 73 minutes gone, it was without any assistance from the match officials.

Jean-Claude Darcheville had replaced Naismith and he was the provider, releasing Cousin into the box, and he did well to round the keeper before slotting into the bottom corner of the net.

Gretna fans were treated to the sight of Martin Canning making his first appearance of the season after ankle surgery but were left empty-handed as Rangers held on for the win.