Late Miovski strike keeps Rangers in touch ahead of Old Firm double-header
A late goal from Bojan Miovski earned Rangers a hard-fought win, keeping them within four points of Celtic ahead of two upcoming Old Firm meetings. Manager Derek McInnes says the rebuilt squad remains a work in progress despite the promising run.
Rangers secured a narrow but crucial victory after Bojan Miovski scored a late goal, keeping the club within touching distance of league leaders Celtic. Had the goal not come, Rangers would have fallen seven points behind the champions after just six games, with Celtic winning by the same scoreline against St Johnstone in Perth on the same day to maintain their unbeaten record.
The result carries extra weight given Rangers' upcoming fixtures against Celtic: a Premier Sports Cup quarter-final on Sunday, followed by a league visit to Celtic Park a week later.
The win extended Rangers' unbeaten run to five home matches, with four consecutive victories since a loss to Hibernian last month. Manager Derek McInnes pointed out that his side had won six of their last seven matches, including four in a row, and had conceded only an own goal in that stretch.
Progress, but room to improve
Since a 5-1 League Cup win over holders St Mirren at Ibrox a month ago, Rangers' last four victories have all come by a single goal. McInnes acknowledged that in the most recent match against St Mirren, his side lost control for about 20 minutes in the second half after a strong first-half performance.
Former Rangers midfielder Andy Halliday praised the team's defensive improvement and chance creation, though he noted a continued lack of clinical finishing.
McInnes' attacking options have been limited by long-term injuries to Youssef Chermiti and summer signing Lawrence Shankland, compounded by news that Japanese winger Daisuke Yokota will need surgery for a groin injury. Against this backdrop, Miovski — recently considered a fifth-choice striker and a possible departure — has unexpectedly emerged as a key contributor.
