Saints just can't rein in Rangers as fightback is far too late

Ibrox men hold on as Fraser spot-kick proves to be costly

- Colin Paterson

St Mirren's late fightback was too little, too late as Rangers barged back into the Premiership title race last night.

A goal in each half from Thelo Aasgaard and Emmanuel Fernandez proved just enough for the Light Blues at Ibrox.

Mikael Mandron pulled one back for the Buddies minutes after Marcus Fraser had a penalty saved by keeper Jack Butland.

An equaliser couldn't be found, however, which brought to an end a five-game unbeaten run for Saints, and a sequence of four matches without defeat to Gers, who themselves are now just three points behind second-placed Celtic and six adrift of league leaders Hearts.

Dundee's win at home to Kilmarnock also saw Stephen Robinson's men slip to 10th place in the table.

Saints made two changes to the side held to a goalless draw at home to Killie.

Jayden Richardson and Mandron started ahead of Conor McMenamin and Dan Nlundulu.

The Light Blues also made a couple of alterations after edging out Motherwell.