Nigeria international Cyriel Dessers’ first-half strike was the difference in Paisley as Rangers defeated St Mirren 1-0 in the Scottish Premiership.
It was a hard-fought victory for Philippe Clement’s side as they secured another important three points away from home in the league. There were four changes from the midweek victory over Hibernian as Connor Goldson, Dujon Sterling, Scott Wright, and Dessers came into the starting line-up.
That meant Rangers started with Jack Butland in goal and a back four of James Tavernier, Connor Goldson, John Souttar, and Ridvan. John Lundstram, Nico Raskin, and Todd Cantwell were in midfield, while Dujon Sterling occupied a more forward role on the left flank with Scott Wright also in support of striker Dessers.
There was a strong wind at St Mirren Park which undoubtedly affected the match as both teams battled against the weather. An early chance fell for Rangers as John Lundstram tested Zach Hemming in the St Mirren goal with a long-range strike but the goalkeeper gathered to deny the visitors a breakthrough.
With 14 minutes on the clock, the early control paid off from Rangers as Dessers made it three goals in three games since the return from the winter break. It was a lovely pass from midfield from John Lundstram to pick out the run of Dessers and the striker took a touch on his right foot to round Hemming before finishing a low into the back of the net with a left-footed strike.
St Mirren looked for a response instantly as Scott Tanser whipped a cross into the box but Elvis Bwomono’s shot was held by Butland before Hyeokkyu Kwon fired over shortly after from a Greg Kiltie delivery.
