St Mirren 0 -1 Rangers

Rangers maintained their 100 per cent start to the Scottish Championship - but they were made to work for their 11th straight win by St Mirren.

A Jason Holt strike in the first half proved to be the difference between the sides in Paisley.

It was a frustrating afternoon for Saints, with Scott Agnew in particular denied a number of times in front of goal.

The result means they are still searching for their first league win of the season at home, while Rangers extended their lead at the top to eight points.

Saints wasted no time in putting Gers under pressure and carved out the first chance with less than a minute on the clock.

Agnew unleashed a powerful strike from 25 yards out and was denied only by an equally impressive save from Wes Foderingham.

Rangers had a chance of their own when Lee Wallace burst down the left flank before whipping a cross into the box for Kenny Miller, but he connected awkwardly and the effort fell wide.

It was end-to-end stuff and Saints were threatening again when Agnew scuffed his shot and the ball fell kindly for Calum Gallagher, who dragged just wide of the post.

The opener came after 25 minutes and it was Rangers who surged into the lead.

Martyn Waghorn was the provider for Holt and he managed to beat Jamie Langfield with a fierce strike from the tightest of angles.

It was a great finish from Holt but also a moment to forget for the Buddies goalkeeper.

At the other end, Foderingham was alert again with a terrific save to turn a ferocious free-kick from Stephen Mallan past the upright.

Rangers had the ball in the back of the net again through Miller but the offside flag was raised.

The home side were far from out of the match and another decent effort from Agnew after the restart looked destined for the top corner, but Foderingham was again up to the task.

Agnew was denied yet again moments later, this time with a close range effort that clipped the outside of the post.

Substitute Nicky Clark could have put the result all but beyond doubt for Gers with just over ten minutes to go but his effort was blocked by Langfield.

But the league leaders managed to see out the remainder of the match and claim all three points.