adminRangers snatched all three points at the death as Bojan Miovski’s stoppage-time strike secured a 1-0 win over St Mirren at Ibrox.
Derek McInnes’ team appeared set for a frustrating evening after controlling the early proceedings but repeatedly coming up against an inspired Jacob Chapman in the St Mirren goal.
However, in the 91st minute, Ryan Naderi rose to meet a ball forward and directed it into the path of Miovski. The substitute stayed composed and finished past Chapman to finally give Rangers the breakthrough they had been searching for all night.
The hosts looked dangerous from the opening whistle.
Naderi forced an early stop from Chapman, Nicolas Raskin went close with a header and Kevin Kelsy had a close-range attempt blocked.
Djeidi Gassama and Badredine Bouanani were also thwarted as Rangers pinned St Mirren back inside their own half.
Kelsy, making his first Ibrox start, saw another header saved just before the break. Despite their dominance, the scoreline stayed goalless, and Rangers slowly surrendered their early grip on the match after the interval.
St Mirren became increasingly adventurous. Ivor Pandur produced an important save to deny Fraser Taylor, while Nikolas Agrafiotis also tested the Rangers goalkeeper.
The home crowd began to fear another frustrating night before Miovski, brought on in the 78th minute, produced the crucial intervention.
The victory made it four straight league wins for Rangers and moved them into second place, although the display left McInnes with plenty to ponder.
The manager will be delighted with the outcome, but Rangers could have made life considerably easier for themselves. They had created enough opportunities before half-time to establish control, only to let St Mirren back into the game.
Kevin Kelsy issue exposed by ex-Rangers striker Rory Loy on BBC Sportsound
Kelsy’s performance was one of the main talking points.
The £9.5 million summer arrival from Portland Timbers was given his chance with Lawrence Shankland and Youssef Chermiti both unavailable.
His strength and physicality presented problems for the visitors, although the Venezuelan striker did not get everything right.
Former Rangers forward Rory Loy, speaking to BBC Sportsound, believed Kelsy was making some rushed decisions in possession, with his judgement in the final third proving particularly noticeable.
“Kelsy’s decision-making is coming up a bit short, which is perhaps understandable given it is his first start at Ibrox,” said Loy.
“He is trying to force a pass. A little bit too eager to get rid of the ball.”
That was a reasonable assessment of an impressive yet inconsistent home debut.
Kelsy attacked deliveries into the box and used his physical presence to unsettle defenders, but a number of promising attacks broke down when a more composed touch or straightforward pass could have allowed Rangers to sustain their pressure.
There should be an element of patience with a 22-year-old adapting to a new team and the expectations of a demanding Ibrox crowd, especially after completing his move late in the summer.
However, Rangers have spent significantly on Kelsy, while their current injury issues could mean much of his adjustment period has to happen while playing regularly in the first team.
Naderi and Miovski eventually combined to produce the winning goal, highlighting the competition Kelsy faces for opportunities. His first start at Ibrox offered plenty of positive signs, but Loy’s criticism was equally clear.
Kelsy will need to sharpen his decision-making if he is to establish himself in the Rangers side.
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