gained points on the other, and Rangers briefly took over top spot of the Premier League on 21 February after a win against Kilmarnock. The spell as league leaders lasted less than a fortnight. A defeat and a draw, both at home, to Inverness and Hearts, respectively, saw Walter Smith's side sit second in the table, one point behind Celtic, at the split. The fourth Old Firm league meeting of the season finished with a single-goal victory to Rangers, a Steven Davis strike. This meant that, with three league games remaining, Rangers were two points ahead of their arch-rivals. Further twists and turns followed; both Old Firm sides drew their matches against Hibernian at Easter Road, leaving Rangers two points clear with one round of matches remaining. Rangers needed a win against Dundee United to guarantee the club's 52nd league title. Goals from Kyle Lafferty, Pedro Mendes and Kris Boyd sealed a 3–0 win and the club's first league championship in four seasons. The club played in the finals of both of the domestic cup competitions for the second season running. The 2009 Scottish League Cup Final was reached by defeating Partick Thistle, Hamilton and Falkirk en route, but the final ended in a 2–0 defeat at the hands of Celtic after extra time. The match was Walter Smith's first-ever Old Firm final and was marred by a Kirk Broadfoot sending off deep into extra time for a foul on Aiden McGeady inside the penalty box. Celtic were subsequently awarded a penalty, which McGeady himself converted. Rangers qualified for the 2009 Scottish Cup Final after beating St Mirren 3–0 in the semi-final. The second goal of the game was scored by Kris Boyd, his 100th goal for Rangers. The team faced Falkirk at Hampden Park on 30 May 2009 in what was the club's 51st Scottish Cup Final appearance. A Nacho Novo strike in the first minute of the second half gave Rangers a 1–0 win and completed their domestic double. The following season saw Rangers' financial problems continue. A quiet summer in terms of transfer arrivals contrasted to the outgoings. The club removed eleven players who had made first-team appearances from the wage bill on permanent and loan deals. The only addition to the playing staff was Jérôme Rothen on a season-long loan. Rothen was the first player to sign for the club in over a year. On 26