St Mirren stun Rangers with late winner
St Mirren 2 - 1 Rangers
Caolan Boyd-Munce’s last-gasp screamer ensured Rangers finished Boxing Day 12 points behind league leaders Celtic.
The visitors endured a dismal first half, with Jack Butland clumsily fouling Greg Kiltie, allowing Oisin Smyth to calmly slot the resulting penalty past the former England goalkeeper.
Stephen Robinson’s St Mirren impressed with their aggression, intensity, and defensive organisation, but the half-time introductions of Nicolas Raskin and Danilo injected much-needed energy into Rangers’ performance.
Brazilian striker Danilo equalised from close range moments after being denied at a similar distance by goalkeeper Ellery Balcombe. However, Philippe Clement’s side couldn’t capitalise, and their hopes of rescuing a point were dashed when substitute Boyd-Munce rifled in a stunning 93rd-minute strike from 20 yards.
No title for Rangers in 2025?
This defeat halts Rangers’ recent momentum and leaves their faint title hopes hanging by a thread. Last week’s reduction of Celtic’s lead to nine points now feels insignificant. Rangers’ sluggish first-half display, epitomised by their first shot on target—a speculative spin effort from Hamza Igamane in the 42nd minute—highlights their lack of urgency.
Clement’s team selection is likely to face criticism, with Raskin’s midfield energy and Danilo’s attacking threat proving pivotal after the break. Danilo’s equaliser followed a near-miss from James Tavernier’s free-kick and Vaclav Cerny rattling the crossbar, but Rangers failed to make the most of their dominant spell.
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Unlike their city rivals, Rangers struggled to capitalise on opportunities, and defensive lapses remain a recurring issue. This was evident again in Paisley, where Dujon Sterling’s careless loss of possession led to St Mirren’s dramatic late winner.
Onwards to the Conference League for St Mirren?
St Mirren secured a historic victory over Rangers, their first since a 3-2 League Cup win in December 2020 and their first top-flight triumph in this fixture since 2011.
This was no easy feat. Stephen Robinson’s side set the tone with an aggressive, well-organised first-half display that saw them take a deserved lead into the break. Rangers fought back in the second half, levelling the score, but St Mirren stood firm. They even came agonisingly close to regaining the lead when Robin Propper’s header cannoned off his own crossbar.
Far from settling for a point, the Paisley side pushed forward in the dying moments. Jonah Ayunga’s relentless pressing won the ball in a dangerous area, setting up Caolan Boyd-Munce to unleash a spectacular winner from 20 yards.
Robinson’s boldness in introducing 17-year-olds Callum Penman and Evan Mooney paid off, with Mooney providing the assist for the decisive goal.
This victory marks St Mirren’s third consecutive league win and leaves them eyeing a strong push for fourth place in the Scottish Premiership. Qualification for next season's Conference League would be a great reward for what could turn out to be a memorable season.
