Rangers 1-1 St Johnstone: Poor Rangers fought to deserved draw

Rangers dropped yet more points as St Johnstone picked up a well-deserved point from their trip to Ibrox.

The Saints had taken the lead early after a fine finish from Blair Alston and a calamitous error from Lee Hodson, before Joe Garner levelled the scores. A dominant Rangers couldn't find a way through, however, before a far more even second half resulted in a draw.

Mark Warburton had made several changes to his lineup, bringing in Joe Garner, Harry Forrester and Michael O'Halloran to comprise his front three, with the latter looking impressive as he routinely gained ground on the right wing, although rarely earning much more than a corner for his troubles.

Yet Rangers had to come from behind early on after Hodson dawdled on the ball, having his pocket picked by the Saints attack before Alston curled a belter over Wes Foderingham to stun Ibrox.

Yet O'Halloran continued to earn a succession of corners for Rangers, and eventually it paid off - the delivery from one found Garner to nod in at the near post and restore parity.

Rangers were completely dominant for the rest of the half, but couldn't find a way through. The second period, however, was far more even, with St Johnstone going close themselves on a few occasions, with Liam Craig and Blair Alston constant threats.

Eventually, Rangers were forced to settle for a point, unable to put the opposition under enough pressure to force a winner. Barrie McKay's introduction in a curious deep playmaking role, as well as the additions of Martyn Waghorn and Kenny Miller, failed to turn things around. The pressure on this Rangers team - and coaching staff - has just gone up another notch. The next four games are even more vital now.