NigerianfrontmankeepsRangersontitle trackbutSaintsdeservedsomuchbetter
St Mirren produced their best performance of the season against either half of the Old Firm yesterday – but Cyriel Dessers’ winner dashed their hopes of a marquee result.
The Light Blues took the lead through James Bolton’s unfortunate own goal but Mikael Mandron’s 11th of the season meant it was all square at the break.
Title-chasing Rangers appeared to be running out of ideas but, from virtually nowhere, skipper James Tavernier set up Dessers who netted what proved to be the crucial clincher.
It was a result which saw Gers go level on points with Celtic at the top but the Hoops beat Dundee 2-1 later in the afternoon to restore their advantage. Saints remain fifth – two points clear of the Dark Blues ahead of the sides clashing at Dens Park next Saturday.
Buddies boss Stephen Robinson made four changes to the team which lost 3-0 to Celtic in their final pre-split Premiership fixture.
Ryan Strain, Bolton, Conor McMenamin and Mandron all came in with Elvis Bwomono, Richard Taylor, Keanu Baccus and Toyosi Olusanya dropping to the bench.
Gers were fresh from booking their place in next month’s Scottish Cup final against Celtic and made two changes to the side that beat Hearts 2-0 at Hampden.
Borna Barisic and Fabio Silva were drafted into Philippe Clement’s starting line-up with Abdallah Sima and Rabbi Matondo absent.
There was a lively Sunday lunchtime atmosphere and a great pace to the game as both sides searched for the vital opener.
Mandron dispossessed Tavernier early-on and surged through on goal with his low shot drifting just beyond the far post.
At the other end, John Lundstram unloaded a couple of early sighters before Mandron carved out another opportunity.
McMenamin was next to have a go for the Buddies with his low strike taking a deflection but safely gathered by in-form Gers keeper Jack Butland.
Opposite number Zach
Hemming tipped over from both Lundstram and Tavernier – either side of a superb last-ditch tackle from Alex Gogic which prevented Silva getting a shot away.
The attacking intent from both teams meant it felt like only a matter of time before the deadlock was broken and, in the 32nd minute, Rangers drew first blood.
A deep cross from Barisic was nodded back into the six-yard box by Mohamed Diomande with Bolton turning the ball into his own net as he attempted to clear.
However, it was a lead which was short-lived.
Captain Mark O’Hara stood up a cross for Mandron whose header kissed the post and bounced into the net.
Three sides of the sundrenched SMiSA Stadium erupted and it was very much game on.
In the final minute of the first half, Greg Kiltie’s free-kick into the area was nodded into the path of Bolton but his volley was brilliantly saved by Butland.
Midway through the second half, Tavernier floated in a free-kick which Leon Balogun headed down for Todd Cantwell but his shot lacked both power and direction.
He was at the centre of the action moments later when he darted into the box and sent an effort beyond Hemming’s far post.
It was Rangers who needed something and, six minutes later, Dessers – who had struggled to make an impact for much of the afternoon – proved to be their saviour.
A raid down the righthand side saw Tavernier deliver a cross to the back post and Dessers was in the perfect place to powerfully head home his 20th goal of the season.
The situation appeared cruel on Saints, who had contributed so much to proceedings, and they so very nearly were put to bed in time added-on.
Gers broke on the counter with Dessers feeding Tom Lawrence. He got into the box, checked back and unleashed a shot but Gogic produced a heroic goalline clearance.
There was a lively atmosphere and a great pace to the game...
HOW THEY LINED UP...
ST MIRREN (3-4-3)
Hemming; Bolton, Gogic, Fraser; Strain (Brown 84), O’Hara, Boyd-Munce (Baccus 84), Tanser; McMenamin (Scott 76), Kiltie (Jamieson 76), Mandron (Olusanya 70). Subs (not used): Urminsky(gk), Taylor, Dunne, Bwomono. RANGERS (4-2-3-1)
Butland; Tavernier, Balogun, Souttar, Barisic (Wright 78); Lundstram, Diomande; Silva (McCausland 55), Cantwell (Lawrence 77), Sterling; Dessers. Subs (not used): McCrorie(gk), Goldson, Dowell, Roofe, Davies, Raskin.
BOOKINGS
Gogic was booked for St Mirren with Butland getting a caution for Rangers.
FOR THE RECORD
An excellent performance by the Buddies but football can be a cruel game and they ended up empty-handed.
As well as missed chances, Saints will rue the poor defending which led to Gers’ goals – both coming from deep crosses into the box. They will feel they have the players to deal with such situations.
STAR SAINT
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