For the first time since October 1980 Rangers have claimed the leadership of the premier division, with maximum points from their first two games. A 28-minute delay to their match with Hilbernian at Easter Road failed to upset the concentration of a team oozing new confidence. There were three fine goals scored by McCoist, McPherson and Williamson, an excellent debut by Bell, the powerful midfield player signed from Aberdeen, who was awarded the sponsor's man of the match prize, and a return of traditional Rangers commitment. Durie scored for the Edinburgh side.

The surprise of an intriguing afternoon was at Clydebank, where the promoted home club gave a forceful answer to critics who had written off their survival. Playing skilfully, Clydebank thrashed by 4-0 a Dundee team who had only a week before promised to be a threat to the leading clubs. Goals came from Conroy (2), Larnach and Moore. By the end Dundee had been torn apart.

Two fine goals were the brightest side of an uncompromising match between Dundee United and Aberdeen, which ended in a 1-1 draw at Tannadice. McKimmie opened the scoring for the champions with a splendid drive and Sturrock, making his seasonal bow for United, equalized

The happiest club were St Mirren, who have at last shown all the skill of aspiring champions by whipping Heart of Midlothian 6-2 at Paisley.

At Parkhead Celtic had so much of the attack against Motherwell that it was difficult for their supporters to realize that they had won by only 2-1.

The Scottish Football Association are likely to hold an inquiry into the crowd confusion at the Hibernian - Rangers game at Easter Road, which was held up for almost half an hour as thousands of people invaded the park. Two gates were forced. One end of the terracing is closed until it is brought up to safety standards.