St Mirren recorded their first league win over Rangers since Christmas Eve in 2011 as Caolan Boyd-Munce struck late to earn his side 3 points on Boxing Day.

In Paisley, St Mirren looked to make it three wins on the bounce after back to back wins against St Johnstone and Ross County respectively. Meanwhile Philippe Clement’s Rangers would be eager to continue their fine run of form in their penultimate fixture before the Old Firm derby next Thursday.

St Mirren started the game on the front foot. Declan John, fresh off the back of signing a contract extension with the Buddies left James Tavernier in his mist as he darted down the line. His cross, however, was of no trouble to Jack Butland in the Rangers goal.

In the 25th minute, it was the home side who created the first clear cut chance. Marcus Fraser whipped in a cross which met the feet of Greg Kiltie. The midfielder controlled it but his shot was blocked by a well-positioned Dujon Sterling.

Noticeable frustrations on the pitch for the away side. Vaclav Cerny in particular was not shy in urging his side on.

Some resolute defending from Marcus Fraser and Alex Gogic resulted in a quick counter attack and an exquisite pass from Oisin Smyth sent Olusanya through on goal. Leon Balogun looked to have pulled up with what looked like a hamstring injury but managed to recover and clear the danger for his side before being substituted for Dutch defender Robin Pröpper.

Jack Butland would be next to fall foul to St Mirren’s quick counter as he wiped out an onrushing Greg Kiltie. Much to the disgruntlement of the home crowd only a yellow was brandished but their side earned a penalty.

Oisin Smyth stepped up and calmly slotted past Butland and put his side ahead after half an hour.

Tensions toppled over on the sidelines with Rangers boss Philippe Clement receiving a yellow card for voicing his frustrations.

Hamza Igamane saw his shot land straight into the arms of Ellery Balcombe and a series of St Mirren corners ended the half with the home side one goal to the good.

Half Time: St Mirren  1- 0 Rangers

Half time changes by Rangers saw the introduction of Nicolas Raskin and Danilo which ignited the away side.

Less than a minute was played before James Tavernier fired a cross along the St Mirren six yard line but there were no takers.

The Ibrox side continued to pile on the pressure with Balcombe in the home sides’ goal having to be on high alert but it was not long before they found the equaliser.

A succession of corners led to a mix up in the St Mirren box and Danilo managed to squeeze his shot into the goal, levelling the game.

Shots from Igamane and Danilo were expertly saved by Balcombe, followed quickly by a rocket from Vaclav Cerny which rattled the outside of the post had the hosts riding a fine line.

Robinson looked to his bench and brought on Jonah Ayunga and Alex Iacovitti to try and get his team back into the game as they contained pressure from their visitors.

In what seems to be a common theme, St Mirren came to life in the last 10 minutes. A corner of their own whipped in by goalscorer Oisin Smyth almost caught Butland off guard but the stopper will have been glad to see the ball hit the frame of his goal before going behind for a goal kick.

6 minutes of added time followed the introduction of Paisley youngsters Callum Penman and Evan Mooney, who sparked a new lease of life into the home crowd. They roared their side on and in the 93rd minute they reaped their reward.

Ayunga hunted the ball down and dispossessed Sterling. The striker made a driving run down the left hand side before squaring the ball to Mooney who had composure beyond his years. Controlling the ball and laying it off perfectly to Caolan Boyd-Munce and the midfielder placed the ball into the bottom left hand corner.

The Buddies held on and secure their third win in as many games.

Full Time: St Mirren  2- 1 Rangers

In a quick turnaround, the Paisley side end 2024 with a home match against Dundee on Sunday and Rangers make the short trip to Fir Park to face Motherwell.

Standout Performer: Ellery Balcombe– Every shot thrown at him he was of equal measure and if it wasn’t for some of his lightning quick reactions his side may well have had a mountain to climb as they were put under pressure by their visitors in the 2nd half. The stopper commanded his area well and took the pressure off his back line when needed.

Teams:

St Mirren: Balcombe (GK), Fraser (C), Taylor, Gogic, John (Penman, 83”), Bwomono (Iacovitti, 63”), Phillips, Smyth, Kiltie (Ayunga, 63”), Idowu (Boyd-Munce, 74”), Olusanya (Mooney, 83”)

Rangers: Butland (GK), Tavernier (C), Sterling, Balogun (Pröpper, 19”), Jefte (Yilmaz, 78”), Barron (Raskin, 46”), Diomande, Cerny, Bajrami (Danilo, 46”), Hagi, Igamane (Dessers, 82”)

Referee: David Dickinson

Attendance: 7175