Rangers rescued three points at the last possible moment as Bojan Miovski’s stoppage time goal sealed a 1-0 victory over St Mirren at Ibrox.
Derek McInnes’ side looked destined to be frustrated after dominating the opening stages but failing to beat inspired goalkeeper Jacob Chapman.
Then, in the 91st minute, Ryan Naderi climbed to meet a forward ball and guided it into Miovski’s path. The substitute kept his nerve and beat Chapman to give Rangers the breakthrough they had spent all evening chasing.
The hosts had threatened from the outset.
Naderi brought an early save from Chapman, Nicolas Raskin tested him with a header and Kevin Kelsy saw a close-range effort blocked.
Djeidi Gassama and Badredine Bouanani were also denied as Rangers pushed St Mirren deep inside their own half.
Match stat | Rangers | St Mirren |
|---|---|---|
Possession | 53.9% | 46.1% |
Total shots | 18 | 10 |
Shots on target | 7 | 2 |
Shots off target | 6 | 6 |
Blocked shots | 5 | 2 |
Big chances missed | 4 | 1 |
Touches in opposition box | 38 | 17 |
Corners | 12 | 0 |
Passes attempted | 511 | 455 |
Accurate passes | 426 | 374 |
Passing accuracy | 83.4% | 82.2% |
Chances created | 12 | 7 |
Goalkeeper saves | 2 | 6 |
Fouls committed | 13 | 13 |
Yellow cards | 1 | 1 |
Red cards | 0 | 0 |
Kelsy, making his first start at Ibrox, had another header stopped shortly before the interval. Yet the score remained blank and Rangers gradually lost their early control after the break.
St Mirren grew bolder. Ivor Pandur had to make a vital save from Fraser Taylor, while Nikolas Agrafiotis also forced the Rangers goalkeeper into action.
The home support sensed another uncomfortable night before Miovski, introduced in the 78th minute, delivered the decisive moment.
It secured a fourth consecutive league victory for Rangers and lifted them into second place, but the performance gave McInnes plenty to consider.
The manager will gladly take the result, although Rangers should have made the evening far more comfortable. They created enough before the break to take control, only to allow St Mirren back into the contest.
Kevin Kelsy issue exposed by ex-Rangers striker Rory Loy on BBC Sportsound
One major talking point was Kelsy’s display.
The £9.5 million summer signing from Portland Timbers was handed an opportunity with Lawrence Shankland and Youssef Chermiti unavailable.
His physical presence caused problems, but not everything came off for the Venezuelan striker.
Former Rangers forward Rory Loy, speaking to BBC Sportsound, felt Kelsy was rushing some of his choices in possession, and one particular issue was his decision-making in the final third.
“Kelsy’s decision-making is coming up a bit short, which is perhaps understandable given it is his first start at Ibrox,” said Loy.
“He is trying to force a pass. A little bit too eager to get rid of the ball.”
That was a fair summary of an encouraging but uneven home debut.
Kelsy attacked crosses and made himself difficult for defenders to ignore, yet several promising moves ended when a calmer touch or simpler pass might have helped Rangers maintain pressure.
There should be patience for a 22-year-old adjusting to a new club and a demanding crowd, particularly after arriving late in the summer.
Rangers, though, have invested heavily in Kelsy and their injury problems mean his settling period may have to take place in the first team.
Naderi and Miovski ultimately combined for the winner, underlining the competition Kelsy faces. His first Ibrox start contained enough threat to offer encouragement, but Loy’s concern was clear.
Better decisions will be required if Kelsy is to make the shirt his own.
