the saints beat gers

St Mirren 1-0 Rangers

Billy Mehmet congratulates Saints scorer Stephen McGinn
A tremendous curling left-foot strike by Stephen McGinn on 77 minutes gave St Mirren a stunning win over Rangers.

The Ibrox side had the bulk of possession, but the Buddies defended stoutly as they welcomed Rangers to Love Street for the last time.

As the final whistle approached, substitute Kris Boyd hit the post with a header, then Kyle Lafferty had a header cleared off the line.

But St Mirren held on for their first home league win over Gers since 1986.

Pedro Mendes was booked for a foul on the advancing Dennis Wyness early in the first half, indicative of St Mirren's useful start where they had Rangers pinned inside their own half.

The former Falkirk defender Jack Ross made early forays into the Rangers' half, clearly enjoying the 3-5-2 formation chosen by St Mirren manager Gus MacPherson.

For all the early promise, a pattern soon emerged where the SPL's bottom side contained the visitors by getting numbers behind the ball, and Rangers struggled to get behind the Saints defence, especially down the left.

Much to the chagrin of Kris Boyd, Walter Smith left his joint-top scorer on the bench once more, opting for pace in attack.

A counter attack after 18 minutes suggested Smith's decision would ask questions of the Saints' defence. MY SPORT: DEBATE
Join the Saints fans discussing the game

Steven Davis released Jean-Claude Darcheville down the right wing and his explosive pace created the space for a fine cross for Miller. Scott Cuthbert's intervention prevented the in-form striker from adding to his goals tally.

Kevin Thomson was the first to test either of the goalkeepers. He pounced on a slack pass by Gary Mason in midfield, swept forward and let fly from 25 yards.

Howard's positioning was exemplary, though, and he was able to parry.

Thomson threatened Howard's goal again in the 39 minute. First combining with Mendes in midfield, he burst forward, worked a one-two with Miller and clattered a shot which Howard tipped over.

Madjid Bougherra wasted a chance from Charlie Adam's inswinging corner at the beginning of the second half. Unmarked on the six-yard line, he mistimed his jump and headed over.
Jean-Claude Darcheville is challenged by Saints' Will Haining

Darcheville was next to have a go, streaking forward from left to centre and shooting ferociously straight at Howard.

The Frenchman's last contribution before the introduction of Boyd was a dash down the right and a cross into the danger area, which Miller poked narrowly wide under pressure from Cuthbert.

Immediately Boyd began to win headers up front, and with 15 minutes to go he bulleted a header at goal, but it was too far out to trouble Howard.

Against the run of play, St Mirren took the lead through substitute Stephen McGinn.

Craig Dargo made an intelligent run to split the retreating Rangers defence and McGinn curled a beautiful shot past the re-instated Allan McGregor from 20 yards.

Rangers piled on the pressure, but St Mirren held their nerve to register a famous win.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

St Mirren: Howard, Ross, Haining, Potter, Cuthbert, Robb, Dorman, Mason, Brady, Wyness, Mehmet.
Subs: Smith, Murray, Brighton, Dargo, Hamilton, McAusland, McGinn.

Rangers: McGregor, Broadfoot, Papac, Weir, Bougherra, Thomson, Mendes, Adam, Davis, Darcheville, Miller.
Subs: Alexander, Boyd, Beasley, Dailly, Lafferty, Niguez, Loy.

Referee: W Collum

Attendance: 7,520