Rangers survived an almighty scare to their Scottish Premiership title hopes thanks to Cyriel Dessers’ late winner against St Mirren at the SMiSA Stadium.
The Ibrox side knew they needed to leave Paisley with maximum points in order to draw level with league leaders Celtic ahead of the reigning champions clash with Dundee in Sunday’s later kick-off.
And despite failing to convince for large spells, Philippe Clement’s men managed to grind out a hugely important victory. The visitors broke the deadlock in rather fortuitous fashion after a nervy start just past the half-hour mark when Mohamed Diomande kept Borna Barisic’s deep cross in at the by-line. He hooked the ball across and Saints defender James Bolton diverted it into his own net under pressure.
The fifth-placed Buddies, who are chasing down European football next season, were back on level terms moments later when the lively Mikael Mandron's pinpoint header cannoned in off the far post with visiting keeper Jack Butland at full stretch.
St Mirren looked a threat going forward every time the ball reached Mandron and it was evident that the pressure of the title race was starting to weigh heavily on the Gers players shoulders.
However, just when it appeared things were transpiring against them, up popped captain James Tavernier to produce another moment of magic. The right-back swung in a simply outstanding cross towards the back post where Cyriel Dessers was lurking unmarked. And the striker made no mistake by planting a header into the net for his 20th goal of the campaign, sparking wild celebrations from the away fans.
The result meant Rangers avoided going four league games without a win for the first time since February 2017 and maintained their hunt for a domestic treble.
Here's how GlasgowWorld rated the Rangers players from the SMiSA Stadium:
5. Borna Barisic - 6/10
Swung in a couple of dangerous corners in the first-half. His deep cross looked to be heading out of play only for Hemming's intervention that led to the opening goal. Picked up a knock after the break and was unable to continue. Subbed. | SNS Group
6. John Lundstram - 7/10
Almost saw his early cross/cum shot from a corner glanced into the net by Dessers before dragging another shot wide from distance. Fizzed a dipping half-volley goal bound which was beaten away by the Saints keeper. Used the ball pretty well. Had a busy afternoon. | SNS Group
7. Mohamed Diomande - 6/10
Kept the ball alive after Hemming got a touch to Barisic's cross. Knocked the ball back across for a St Mirren defender to turn into his own net. Attempted an ambitious effort which was blocked early in the second half. | SNS Group
8. Todd Cantwell - 5/10
Involved in an accidental collision with referee Nick Walsh that left him requiring some treatment. Scuffed an effort straight into the keeper's arms late in the first-half. Improved after the restart. Reacted slowly to Balogun's knockdown and fired wide of the target. Moments later, jinked his way into the box before fizzing another shot past the post. Subbed. | SNS Group