ECSTASY TOAGONY

Saints boss Jim Goodwin was livid to see his side cough up all three points after gifting Rangers two cheap goals.

The Buddies’ bid to extend their six-game unbeaten run started perfectly after Connor Ronan’s sensational strike put the Paisley side in front.

Two dismal defensive errors allowed Steven Gerrard’s side to get their noses in front at the SMiSA Stadium.

And, ultimately, they comfortably held on to the victory, with Goodwin disappointed not to take anything from the tough match.

He told Express Sport: “We started brilliantly.

“The boys stuck to the game plan in terms of the aggressive press at the top end of the pitch and not allowing Rangers to get any rhythm in their game.

“Rangers like to build from the back, but we were forcing them into turning over cheap possession.

“We got a deserved goal and it was a wonder goal by Connor Ronan, a brilliant strike.

“Rangers weren’t causing us problems, but after half an hour they got their foot on the ball and dominated possession more than we would have liked.

“But they were not causing us real problems. Jak Alnwick had one save I would expect him to make.

“We were comfortable, but what disappointed me was the manner of the goals we conceded.

“If you play Rangers or Celtic and they cut you open with fantastic free-flowing football, you hold your hands up. But it was two really poor goals.

“Alan – when he watches it back – will realise he doesn’t have to try and get the ball.

“If he jockeys Hagi, he’s probably not going to do a great deal with it. But he’s stuck a leg out and, unfortunately, players nowadays are going to go over. In the modern day game, it’s a pen.

“The second goal straight after is the real killer blow.

“We needed to manage the game and get to half time level pegging.