Tuur Rommens grabs the winner as stuttering Rangers edge past St Mirren

Tuur Rommens made the difference as Rangers stuttered to within striking distance of William Hill Premiership leaders Hearts with an unconvincing 1-0 win over St Mirren.

The Jambos’ defeat at Kilmarnock on Saturday night opened the door for Danny Rohl’s side, while second-placed Celtic’s home win over Motherwell earlier in the day turned the heat up on the Tynecastle side.

Amid a swirling wind in Paisley, Rangers took advantage and just after the half-hour mark left-back Rommens scored his first Gers goal since signing from Belgian side Westerlo in January with a close-range finish.

It was a slog for the visitors who could not add to their lead but with eight fixtures remaining, Rangers are three points behind Hearts and one point behind Celtic as the top of table bunched up approaching the final stages.

The battling Buddies, who lost boss Stephen Robinson to Aberdeen during the week, barely troubled Gers keeper Jack Butland and they ended the day still in 10th place, above Kilmarnock on goal difference.

Rohl spoke about nine cup finals remaining but confidence among Light Blues fans was fragile following last Sunday’s Scottish Gas Scottish Cup quarter-final defeat by Celtic at Ibrox, which followed a home goalless draw against the Hoops in the league.

The Paisley club had their own issues with an interim coaching team put in place which included under-19 boss Craig McLeish working alongside goalkeeping coach Jamie Langfield.

An unruly wind affected both sides although it was Rangers who had the best of the early play before the home side were forced into a change.

In the 17th minute Allan Campbell took over from Jayden Richardson after the Saints defender clashed heads with team mate Alex Gogic, who continued after getting a head wound stapled

Gers remained dominant if toothless but the breakthrough came when midfielder Nico Raskin’s left-footed cross from the right to the back post found Rommens unmarked and he steered the ball past Paisley keeper Shamal George.

Rangers might have added a second in the 40th minute when striker Youssef Chermiti got on the end of a Rommens cross following a short corner but he directed the ball past the post and a rain storm before the break added to everyone’s discomfort.

Raskin twice failed to hit the target with headers early in the second half before George pushed a drive from Gers skipper James Tavernier past the post for yet another corner that came to nothing.

St Mirren edged forward with increasing confidence and belief, without creating anything clear cut, albeit substitute Jake Young screwed a shot wide of the far post with five minutes remaining.

Gers substitute Thelo Aasgaard had the ball in the Saints net in the 90th minute but the offside flag was up and VAR confirmed.

It was ragged but Rangers held on for their first win in four games in all competitions but more will be required to finish the season as champions.