Cyriel Dessers strike lifts Rangers over St Mirren
Cyriel Dessers struck for Rangers for the third time in three games as they beat St Mirren 1-0 to pile more pressure on leaders Celtic in the title race.
The striker was handed a start after his goal against Hibs in midweek and repaid manager Philippe Clement by opening the scoring in the 14th minute.
Dessers, who also scored in the Scottish Cup last weekend, collected a lovely ball from John Lundstram, rounded St Mirren ‘keeper Zach Hemming and slotted home in blustery conditions in Paisley.
On-loan Celtic midfielder Kwon Hyeok-Kyu, Elvis Bwomono and Lewis Jamieson all had chances to equalise for the hosts before the break with James Bolton heading off the post late on.
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The victory narrowed the gap on Celtic to two points ahead of their game against Ross County, while a fourth league defeat in five games leaves the Paisley club fifth in the table.
It was a tough afternoon for the Govan side in difficult conditions against a determined Buddies outfit who pushed them all the way
The swirling wind was a difficult opponent for both sides but the visitors started better without unduly troubling Hemming until Dessers struck.
Midfielder John Lundstram’s perfectly-weighted pass from the middle of the park allowed Dessers to run clear of the Saints defence and round the hesitant Buddies ‘keeper before rolling the ball into the net and taking the acclaim of
the travelling fans.
St Mirren captain Mark O’Hara returned from injury with forward Lewis Jamieson also starting.
Rangers manager Philippe Clement made four changes with defender Connor Goldson back from suspension and Dujon Sterling, Scott Wright and Cyriel Dessers coming back in.
St Mirren were forced out of their shell and the response, led by striker Jonah Ayunga, was impressive.
In the 20th minute, Kwon blazed the ball over the bar from 12 yards to the groans of the home support.
Moments later, at the other end, Gers skipper James Tavernier clipped the outside of the post with a powerful drive from 20 yards.
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However, the Ibrox side were struggling to build on their lead.
Goalkeeper Jack Butland blocked a Jamieson drive with his foot after the Gers defence was breached again, albeit the offside flag went up.
St Mirren had edged the first half notwithstanding the goal and the visitors brought on Tom Lawrence and Ross McCausland for Scott Wright and Todd Cantwell at the start of the second half and it re-energised the Govan side.
Sterling headed a Tavernier cross over the bar in the 54th minute before Dessers smacked the base of the post with a left-footed drive.