Miovski's Stoppage-Time Strike Keeps Rangers Close to Celtic

Bojan Miovski struck in stoppage time to give Rangers a 1-0 home victory over St Mirren, turning a frustrating night at Ibrox into a valuable win before two consecutive meetings with Celtic. BBC Sport reported that hundreds of home supporters had already left when the forward produced the decisive finish. Rangers then survived the remaining minutes to secure all three points.

Watch the highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cM-tOjE9uEc

The late breakthrough prevented Rangers from losing further ground in the Scottish Premiership. Celtic also won 1-0 away to St Johnstone and retained their perfect league record, while Rangers avoided falling seven points behind the defending champions after six matches. The result also extended Rangers' unbeaten home run to five games, including four successive victories since a defeat by Hibernian.

Rangers had controlled much of the opening hour without converting their chances. Manager Derek McInnes told BBC Scotland that his team had been particularly strong in the first half, but acknowledged that poor decisions allowed St Mirren to grow into the contest during the second period. Former Rangers midfielder Andy Halliday offered a less favorable assessment, telling BBC Radio Scotland that St Mirren's spell of control lasted longer than McInnes suggested.

Miovski's intervention was especially significant because his role had appeared uncertain only weeks earlier. BBC Sport said he had fallen to fifth choice in the attacking order, behind options including Ryan Naderi and summer signing Kevin Kelsy. McInnes nevertheless emphasized Miovski's scoring rate in Premiership minutes and his familiarity with the Scottish top flight.

The manager's attacking resources have been affected by long-term injuries to Youssef Chermiti and Lawrence Shankland, who began the season as the preferred forwards. Rangers have also learned that Japanese winger Daisuke Yokota will require surgery for a groin injury, adding another issue for a squad McInnes has described as still developing.

Rangers now face Celtic in a Premier Sports Cup quarter-final on Sunday before traveling to Celtic Park for a league match one week later. Although four consecutive Rangers wins have all come by a single goal, the latest victory preserves momentum heading into that Old Firm double-header and gives Miovski a renewed claim for involvement.