BEN RAMAGE
St Mirren’s unbeaten run came to an abrupt end as two defensive mistakes in the space of two minutes cost them dear.
The Buddies were looking to make it four wins on the bounce and started the game in superb style when Connor Ronan smashed home an incredible opener from distance just four minutes into the clash.
St Mirren were dominant in the first 25 minutes, but the visitors slowly began to dominate and were gifted the chance to equalise when Alan Power clumsily brought down Ianis Hagi just inside the box.
Kemar Roofe stepped up and slotted home, with Alfredo Morelos completing the turnaround just a minute later when Conor McCarthy swiped and missed his clearance attempt.
The Saints tried to muster a response in the second half, but, in truth, rarely threatened a leveller, with Jamie McGrath’s serious-looking injury only rubbing salt into the wounds late on.
Buddies boss Jim Goodwin named the same starting XI for the third match in a row, hoping consistency would help their cause taking on the current Premiership champions.
Rangers also named the same line-up that defeated Brondby 2-0 in the Europa League at Ibrox on Thursday night, with
Steven Gerrard resisting the temptation to tinker with a winning team.
St Mirren started confidently and quickly took the lead in stunning fashion.
A neat passing move in the middle of the park released Ronan in the middle of the pitch.
Eamonn Brophy was screaming for the pass as he looked to break in behind, but, as he drew the defender away, Ronan unleashed an unstoppable strike that sailed into the top corner, sparking euphoria in the St Mirren stands.
It was the perfect start to the afternoon for the Buddies and McGrath tried his luck from even further out shortly after the opener when he spotted keeper Jon McLaughlin out of position. His low shot skimmed wide of the left post.
The hosts were dominating possession and John Lundstrum was fortunate to escape a booking for a late challenge on Matt Millar as he broke up the right wing.
Skipper Joe Shaughnessy produced a superb cross-field pass to pick out Scott Tanser on the left wing as the Buddies pressed forward. Brophy wasn’t quite quick enough onto his dangerous cross into the box, with the chance eventually spurned.
Wolves loanee Ronan was clearly enjoying playing in front of the Sky Sports cameras, skipping around Rangers players with ease on several occasions.
He cleverly slipped in Brophy after turning his marker, who, in turn, slipped as he got his shot away with McLaughlin holding the effort comfortably.