In a nail-biting encounter in Paisley, Rangers secured a hard-fought victory against St Mirren, emerging triumphant with a 1-0 scoreline. The match showcased early goals, defensive prowess, and tactical decisions that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Rangers Team Lineup for St Mirren Game
Dessers on the Scoresheet
Rangers wasted no time asserting dominance, taking the lead early in the match. John Lundstram’s precise pass over the St Mirren defense set up Cyriel Dessers, who calmly slotted the ball past the oncoming goalkeeper for an easy finish.
Weather Woes Again
The challenging playing conditions couldn’t be ignored, with high winds wreaking havoc on the ball’s trajectory. Players grappled with the unpredictable movement of the ball, adding an extra layer of difficulty to an already intense game.
Remained of the First Half
Despite going behind, St Mirren responded resiliently, creating several half-chances that, unfortunately, failed to trouble the Rangers goalkeeper. The game saw relatively few clear-cut opportunities, with both teams struggling to break through their opponent’s defense.
Just before halftime, Rangers’ captain, James Tavernier, came close to extending the lead with a low-driven strike from outside the box, only to see his effort hit the post.
Into the Second Half
The Rangers manager made some halftime substitutions, bringing on Tom Lawrence and Ross McCausland for Todd Cantwell and Scott Wright. These changes aimed to inject fresh energy and tactical adjustments into the team.
The second half witnessed a physical encounter, with Tom Lawrence and John Lundstram both receiving yellow cards for fouls. The game’s intensity reached its peak in the final 15 minutes as St Mirren pressed for an equaliser.
St. Mirren came agonisingly close to levelling the score in the 86th minute when James Bolton’s header hit the left post, creating a nervy moment for the Rangers defence.
Player Performances
A notable mention goes to John Lundstram for his commanding performance in the middle of the pitch, dictating play and contributing to Rangers’ control of the game.
The Rangers manager made interesting tactical decisions, with John Souttar replacing Leon Balogun in defence. Souttar showcased defensive prowess and played a key role in bringing the ball out from the back. Tavernier and Yilmaz contributed both offensively and defensively, displaying composure and control.
One of the most surprising changes was Dijon Sterling’s placement on the left wing. The versatile player has showcased his adaptability, having played in defence, midfield, and now as part of the attacking line.
Scott Wright, given a starting opportunity, failed to make a significant impact, leading to his substitution at halftime. The manager may be left with a sense of disappointment after providing Wright the chance to impress from the start.
Player Ratings
| Player | Rating |
| Jack Butland | 7 |
| James Tavernier | 7 |
| Connor Goldson | 6 |
| John Souttar | 8 |
| Ridvan Yilmaz | 7 |
| Nicolas Raskin | 7 |
| John Lundsram | 8 |
| Scott Wright | 5 |
| Todd Cantwell | 5 |
| Dujon Sterling | 6 |
| Cyriel Dessers | 8 |
Substitutions: Tom Lawrence (7), Ross McCausland (6), Ryan Jack (5), Borna Barisic (4), Rabbi Matondo (4)
Man of the Match
The Ibrox Insider man of the match goes to John Lundstram. His assist for the only goal in the first half followed by a commanding performance in the middle of the pitch made him our stand out Rangers player.