Match Reports

country flag Premiership Round 24
Rangers 4 - 0 St Mirren
Sat 02 February 2019 15:00

Rangers

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St Mirren

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St Mirren

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Game Report

Highlights

Rangers destroyed St Mirren in a convincing 4-0 success. The Gers struggled to find a way past Vladky, but four penalties helped them on their way. Tavernier scored and missed one in the first half, before bagging another in the second. Defoe also got his first Ibrox goal from the penalty spot before Kent finished well - sealing a fine win. Rangers still cut Saints open consistently through the pace of Kent and skill of Morelos.

Detail

It took just two minutes for Saints to concede their first spot-kick. Erhahon clumsily fouled a running away from goal Defoe in the box. Tavernier stepped up and sent Hladky the wrong way.

Defoe was causing chaos with his movement. He also won the second penalty after Paul McGinn was adjudged to have tripped him. It didn't look like there was any contact, but Tavernier hammered his second spot-kick off the post and out.

Kent, however, was the main spark of the match. He was drifting past McGinn at will. He had one effort from the left saved by Hladky, before curling an effort off his cross-bar. He was the biggest threat before the break.

The second half started with St Mirren initially looking bright and trying to work the ball to Jackson, but their work was undone on 55 minutes.

Tavernier's cross struck Tansey's arm outside the box. Referee Dallas, however, consulted with his linesman and adjudged Tansey to have continued with the ball into the box. Tavernier again hammered home from the spot.

From here on it was all the Rangers. McGinn and Lyons were consistently giving the ball away to easily, with St Mirren caving in. Fortunately for them, Hladky was on-hand to make impressive stops from Morelos, Kent, Candeias, and Defoe.

The resistance was finally broken on the 80th minute via a fourth penalty. As Candeias looked to burst into the box, Dallas believed his shirt was being held in the box. Defoe took it this time, and sent Hladky the wrong way.

Ryan Kent deservedly put the icing on the cake. He latched onto Defoe's through ball, before clipping a fine effort over Hladky and in.

Summary

No danger here for Rangers, but this one will only be remembered for an incredible four penalties being dished out to the one team. Defoe and Kent were central to everything good about Rangers going forward, with Morelos also unfortunate not to get his goal. They were helped by the toothless display of the St Mirren side, however, who offered nothing going forward throughout the 90 minutes. They conceded possession far too easily, with Erhahon setting the tone after his clumsy challenge on Defoe after two minutes. A day to forget for Kearney's men.

Key

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Artificial Pitch