Rangers have rediscovered their title poise a month on from their arrival

This was Rangers’ first win since February 15 when, in front of a raucous Ibrox, they announced themselves as veritable title contenders by defeating the Tynecastle outfit. Since then, their challenge has faltered with draws against Livingston and Celtic. While they probably played better football in those two games than in Paisley, they took the full loot thanks to Tuur Rommens’ 31st-minute goal.

The win is significant. Third-placed Rangers capitalised on Hearts losing 1-0 at Kilmarnock on Saturday night and they are now three points behind the Jam Tarts with the same goal difference. Celtic are sandwiched in between the pair, a point better off than their Old Firm adversaries. With eight games to go, we have a proper title fight on our hands.

The elation that coursed through Ibrox four weeks ago had quickly ceased with the two league draws and then losing to Celtic on penalties in the Scottish Cup. By whichever way possible, Rangers simply had to win against a struggling St Mirren team reeling from the midweek departure of manager Stephen Robinson to Aberdeen.

On a rutted pitch and with a biting wind swirling around the SMiSA Stadium, these were not conducive conditions for free-flowing football. The quality levels were poor. Neither team passed the football with authority. Rangers had the better chances, especially in the first half, and were deserved winners amid the mediocrity. Head coach Danny Rohl’s clenched-fist celebration at full time symbolised the importance of just getting the job done.

Left-back Rommens - a pre-match doubt due to injury - was one of the better players on the pitch and therefore a fitting matchwinner. The Belgian was a January signing from Westerlo and has quickly established himself as an attacking outlet for Rangers. The 22-year-old gambled at the back post just after the half-hour mark to meet a good cross from compatriot Nicolas Raskin and he finished smartly from close range back across St Mirren goalkeeper Shamal George, although defender Richard King was culpable for letting the delivery sail past him.

Rangers had wasted good chances prior to the opener. Strikers Ryan Naderi and Youssef Chermiti both missed from well inside the penalty box. A spot-kick claim was waved away when a Raskin header struck the hand of Alex Gogic - we’ve seen those given. But once Rangers got the opener, they were never truly threatened, although one pondered whether the visitors would have been able to shift into another gear if pressed.

St Mirren are in trouble

St Mirren failed to ask that question. Their league form going into this match was poor and Robinson’s flit to the north east has left youth coach Craig McLeish in temporary charge. As always, the Buddies showed endeavour but with Killie winning against Hearts, the two teams are locked together on 24 points in 11th place. Cup performances have been excellent this season but there is no doubt that right now, they look favourites for the play-off spot in the league.

St Mirren’s cause wasn’t helped early on by a sickening clash of heads that left Alex Gogic and Jayden Richardson bloodied. The latter failed to recover and King had to switch to the right side of a back three. The Jamaican wasn’t as comfortable there and Rommens took advantage for the goal.

Mark O’Hara and Jake Young had half-chances in the second period for St Mirren, but Rangers were robust and comfortable in defence. Further forward, not enough moves clicked for the visitors, especially after the break. Thelo Aasgaard had a goal right on 90 minutes disallowed for offside and Raskin missed two presentable headers from excellent James Tavernier deliveries.

Rangers were also buoyed by the return of Connor Barron, making his first appearance since January 6 after two months out with a knee injury. The No 6 was in form before his injury and was tidy when he replaced Tochi Chukwuani with 20 minutes to go. He could be an important player during the run-in.

Titles aren’t always won with style and Rangers knew the importance of getting a win to breathe confidence and momentum into their challenge. Pre-split, they welcome Aberdeen and Dundee United to Ibrox and then head to Falkirk. With every team in the league fighting for a cause, there are no easy matches, but this win ensured Rohl’s side remain on the premises in one of the most exciting title races in living memory.