Rangers got back on track after their midweek meltdown against Celtic as Kyle Bartley’s goal secured a 1-0 win at St Mirren yesterday.

Walter Smith’s side had three players sent off in a stormy Scottish Cup replay defeat at Parkhead, but the champions were able to move within five points of their Glasgow rivals thanks to Bartley’s first half goal.

The on-loan Arsenal defender’s winner means Rangers still control the destiny of the title as victory in their two games in hand on leaders Celtic would take them back into first place.

With Sasa Papac ruled out due to a head injury, Smith made one change from the team that crashed out at Celtic as he brought in David Healy at New St Mirren Park.

Smith was only able to name six substitutes due to the club’s lengthy injury list, but Rangers still controlled the match. The champions’ pressure told in the 24th minute when Madjid Bougherra’s cross from the left was met by Bartley at the back post and he rose highest to head home from close range.

It was Bartley’s first goal since arriving at Ibrox on loan from Arsenal in January.

Rangers went close to increasing their lead soon after half-time when a Fleck corner picked out Maurice Edu and his volley dipped over the crossbar.

Edu should have doubled Rangers’ advantage when he collected a Davis ball and looked set to smash home, only to see his effort fizz across the face of goal and wide instead.

Those misses didn’t prove costly for Smith’s side as they held on without any major alarms.

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