Rangers secured a 2-0 victory over St Mirren in Paisley on Saturday, with goals from Ryan Naderi and Dan Neil extending their unbeaten run to 12 games.
Rangers took the lead in the 15th minute when a penalty was awarded after James Penrice went down following a challenge from Samuel Ramos. The decision was confirmed by VAR, and Naderi stepped up to score, making it nine goals in his last 14 appearances.
Neil's Influence Grows in Second Half
Dan Neil, who had been quiet in the first half, became more influential after the break. On 61 minutes, Kevin Kelsy led a charge but fumbled a pass intended for Minsu Kim. St Mirren failed to clear the danger as Calvin Ramsey inadvertently prodded the ball to Neil, whose strike skipped off Declan John before bouncing past goalkeeper Jacob Chapman.
Rangers needed a couple of big saves from goalkeeper Ivor Pandur to ensure a comfortable finish.
Manager's Tactical Approach
Manager Derek McInnes had spoken before the match about the balance between control and playing two strikers. He said: "I'd like us, when we are in charge of games, to show that control. Sometimes when you go with two strikers, you're in danger of giving up that control somewhere, depending on how the opposition set up."
Neil, the former Sunderland skipper, had been left on the bench for the Premier Sports Cup semifinal against Aberdeen, coming on after the Dons' early press had waned. His calm presence in that game helped set up the winning goal for Naderi.
Rangers now look ahead to their Premier Sports Cup final against Hibs on December 13.
