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Match Report: St. Johnstone 1-2 Rangers Saturday, 14 January 2012 16:16 Written by Thommo

A deadly double from Rangers hitman Nikica Jelavic was enough to secure all 3 points in a nervy 2-1 win over St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park.

Ally McCoist made minimum changes to the team that thrashed Arbroath 4-0 in the Scottish Cup last week. Goalkeeper Allan McGregor - who had been ever present in the SPL this season - missed out with a thigh injury which meant he was replaced by the experienced Neil Alexander. Meanwhile, John Fleck was dropped to the bench as a result of Steven Davis’ return from suspension.

Saints striker Francisco was the name on everyone’s lips after rejecting a pre-contract offer from Rangers. And it was the Spaniard who almost created the opening goal by dancing through the Rangers back-line and sliding a clever pass to Marcus Haber, but the Canadian was ruled offside despite smashing the ball into the net.

Rangers then had their first effort of the match when Northern Irish duo Steven Davis and David Healy combined, but the latter struck wide after picking up a sublime defence splitting pass from his team-mate.

However, the visitors next attack resulted in a goal.

Steven Davis sent wing wizard Sone Aluko racing towards St Johnstone’s defence from a quickly taken free kick, and the Nigerian cap’s deflected shot fell to Nikica Jelavic who made no mistake to poke the ball beyond Peter Enckleman.

The second half was much more action packed, and Rangers could have doubled their lead just moments after the restart. Steven Davis whipped in a corner which met the head of Romanian rock Dorin Goian, but his header was desperately cleared off the line by St Johnstone midfielder David Robertson.

Ally McCoist’s men were then stunned after the Perth side scored an unexpected equaliser. Striker Marcus Haber got on the end of a Liam Craig cross, and the Canadian’s header brushed off USA captain Carlos Bocanegra, which changed the direction of the ball and gave Neil Alexander no chance.

David Robertson’s curling shot almost turned the game on it’s head, but the long range effort went narrowly wide.

Rangers showed dogged determination and desire to try and get back in front, and could have done just that when David Healy’s powerful strike was blocked by Peter Encklemen, but Lee Wallace failed to get his head on the rebound.

Rangers finally got their second goal after digging deep. Sone Aluko scooped a high, swirling free-kick into the box which forced Peter Encklemen to push a header from his team-mate Murray Davidson onto the crossbar, but Croatian striker Nikica Jelavic was quick to pounce and bundle the ball into the net to secure all three points.

Man of the match, Sone Aluko.

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