St Johnstone 2 Rangers 1 – Super J’s heap further pressure on Rangers boss.
RANGERS missed the chance to close the gap on Celtic at the top of the Scottish Premiership after they were beaten 2-1 at St Johnstone.
Fabulous strikes from James Brown and Nicky Clark saw Callum Davidson’s side establish a 2-0 lead. Rangers did hit back through James Tavernier – his 90th Rangers goal, but it was not enough as the visitors were unable to close the gap on their Glasgow rivals, Celtic.
The defeat piles more pressure on Ibrox boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst, who has also overseen a dismal Champions League campaign that has seen the Gers fall out of Europe completely after reaching the final of the Europa League last season.
The visitors started the better side. Malik Tilman forced an early save from Elliott Parish in just the sixth minute.
John Lundtram was next to test Parish. His effort was saved at the near post, and from the resulting corner, Fashion Sakala’s header was deflected wide. Sakala was then denied by the crossbar as Rangers continued to press for the opener.
Tavernier fired an effort over the bar as the half-hour mark approached.
However, in the 41st minute, completely against the run of play. James Brown with a stunning finish from the edge of the box to give the hosts a half-time lead.
In the 56th minute, Ryan Kent’s effort from a distance was well saved by Parish. As the game reached the hour mark, Clark’s effort was just over the bar after being set up by Stevie May.
The Perth side did not have to wait very long to extend their lead, however. May and Clark combined again, and this time, Clark made no mistake doubling the home side’s lead.
12 minutes later, a special moment for the Rangers skipper, Tavernier, as his effort from the edge of the box found the net. Netting for the 90th time in Rangers colours. Just two minutes later, Lundstram rattled the crossbar with a spectacular effort.
That would be the closest that Rangers would come to equalising as they remain five points behind Celtic.