Boyd is now five goals short of Henrik Larsson's SPL goals record

By Andy Campbell

Rangers stayed in touch with Scottish Premier League leaders Celtic with a comfortable win over St Johnstone.

Kris Boyd fired the home side into a first-minute lead and grabbed a second from the penalty spot on 27 minutes after Nacho Novo had been fouled.

Novo registered his first league goal of the season in the 51st minute and also struck the woodwork.

Chris Millar had Saints' best efforts, the midfielder forcing a save from Neil Alexander in each half.

The Ibrox club are now two points behind Celtic, who have played one game more.

A defensive error gifted Rangers the opening goal barely seconds after kick-off.

Graham Gartland conceded possession to DaMarcus Beasley, who played in Boyd on the edge of the box and the striker turned and stroked the ball past stranded goalkeeper Graeme Smith.

Buoyed by the early breakthrough, Rangers looked for a quick second and Madjid Bougherra's pass was flicked up and volleyed towards goal by Kenny Miller, forcing Smith to make an impressive save.

The visitors settled themselves and, after Rangers failed to clear a corner, Millar's powerful strike from distance was beaten wide by Alexander.

Kirk Broadfoot, back in the Rangers starting line-up after a nine-month injury absence, almost marked his return with a goal but could not direct his header on target after being found by Novo.

Sasa Papac's shot was deflected wide of the Saints goal shortly before Rangers were awarded a penalty.

Steven Anderson's short pass-back was intercepted by Novo and, as he tried to round Smith, the Spaniard was adjudged to have been tripped by the goalkeeper.

Boyd slammed home the spot-kick to claim his 12th goal of the season.

The 26-year-old was twice denied a hat-trick late in the opening half, first from Smith's excellent reflex save and then by the assistant referee's flag, with the striker having strayed offside before curling the ball into the net.

More slackness by St Johnstone led to Rangers' third as Danny Grainger failed to make a clearance, allowing Beasley to race away and cross for Miller.

The Scotland international saw his saw his shot blocked by Smith, but Novo arrived promptly to smash home the rebound.

Millar again threatened the Rangers goal with a header after substitute Kenny Deuchar's flick-on, but Alexander dived to his right to make the save.

Novo was inches away from scoring again when he cut in from the left and struck a low shot against the post and Beasley also came close with a powerful effort that was blocked by Smith.

Rangers continued to dominate towards the end of the match but could not turn the pressure into more goals.

Rangers manager Walter Smith:
"We're delighted by today's performance.

"We created a whole load of opportunities; I'm a little bit disappointed that we didn't add to our scoreline.

"We got off to a great start, scoring in the first few seconds of the game. Overall, I felt everyone worked very hard.

"We had two wingers in the wider area of the pitch in Nacho Novo and DaMarcus Beasley. They played very well and worked very hard for the team.

"Kirk Broadfoot was excellent today. He played very well, considering the length of time he's been out. Everyone's delighted to see him back."

St Johnstone manager Derek McInnes:
"It was such a ridiculous start. To find yourself so quickly going behind is a sore one to take.

"Some of the defending today was indefensible. I can't excuse that. At this level, there were so many poor decisions from us defensively.

"I don't think Rangers had to do a lot to get their win and that's the galling part of it.

"There were still positives from the game. There was a lot we could be pleased about in terms of passing."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version