Rangers moved to within six points of Hearts in an increasingly exciting William Hill Premiership title race with a 2-1 win over St Mirren at Ibrox.
On a bitterly cold night in Govan, midfielder Thelo Aasgaard scored in the 39th minute with his second goal in two games before centre-back Emmanuel Fernandez added a second in the 52nd minute.
Gers goalkeeper Jack Butland saved a penalty from Saints captain Marcus Fraser in the 75th minute before Buddies striker Mikael Mandron pulled a goal back seven minutes later to leave the home side hanging on for three crucial points.
The Light Blues have not always been aesthetically pleasing this season and their Europa League campaign has been a disaster to date, but domestic results have been impressive under Danny Rohl, who took over from Russell Martin in October and has recorded eight wins, two draws and one defeat to put them in the title race.
With an eye on the forthcoming game at Celtic Park, Rohl tinkered with his line-up.
Defender John Souttar came in for Dujon Sterling, who was missing altogether and Mikey Moore took over from Connor Barron.
Mandron led the line for the Premier Sports Cup winners, who were immediately on the back foot.
Mohamed Diomande, Djeidi Gassama and Moore all had early efforts of various competence, but Saints held firm and slowly worked their way into the game.
In the 23rd minute, Jayden Richardson broke through into the home box and had a shot saved by Butland, despite the offside flag going up.
Moments later, at the other end, Rangers midfielder Nico Raskin failed to hit the target from 12 yards after being set up by Gassama’s cutback.
However, Aasgaard, who scored the only goal of the game in Saturday’s 1-0 win against Motherwell, was more clinical when he got a chance from a Jayden Meghoma cross, following a short corner with skipper James Tavernier, as he headed past keeper Shamal George from six yards.
Moore’s dipping shot from 18 yards on the angle was then tipped on to the crossbar by George.
St Mirren began the second half with purpose and the home side had to survive a few early scares, Butland saving from Mandron then substitute Dan Nlundulu, on for Jonah Ayunga in the first half, missed from close range.
Again Rangers punished the Paisley men when they next got a chance, Fernandez peeling off at the back post to calmly volley a cross from striker Youssef Chermiti through the legs of George.
The game stretched as the Paisley side were forced to push men forward and leave gaps.
In the 70th minute, Gassama finished a thrilling 40-yard run with a drive which was pushed behind by George for a corner, which came to nothing.
There was a VAR check for a possible St Mirren penalty after substitute Conor McMenamin’s shot struck Fernandez’s hand and after referee Ryan Lee checked his pitchside monitor he pointed to the spot, but Butland dived to his right to beat away Fraser’s effort and Rangers survived.
Saints kept going and despite Butland making a terrific save from Miguel Freckleton, Mandron was on hand to bundle in the rebound and the nerves returned to the Gers support until the final whistle sounded.
