McGinn leaves Rangers heart-broken at Love Street

Rangers lost to St Mirren for the first time in 17 years as Stephen McGinn’s late goal clinched a 1-0 win at Love Street on Sunday.

Walter Smith’s side had only themselves to blame for a defeat that left them behind leaders Celtic on goal difference, while St Mirren moved off the bottom of the table.

This was Rangers’ final visit to Love Street before Paisley side St Mirren move to their new stadium and McGinn’s 77th minute strike ensured they left with no fond memories of a venue they hadn’t lost at for 22 years.

Rangers wasted a series of chances, starting from the early moments when Kevin Thomson was gifted possession by Gary Mason but fired straight at the keeper from long-range.

The midfielder then ran onto a Charlie Adam ball before seeing his thunderous shot touched over as Rangers attempted to crank up the pressure.

Adam then flicked wide at the near post from a Steven Davis corner after Jean Claude Darcheville’s left-footed shot was deflected past the upright, as the first half ended goalless.

Rangers continued to search for the elusive opener after the break and were not too far away when Madjid Bougherra nodded just over from close range from a Davis corner.

There was then a worrying sight for the Ibrox side – as well as Scotland boss George Burley – when Thomson had to be carried off the park after a nasty collision.

Darchville shot wide from Davis’s flick soon after, but it was St Mirren who took the lead in the 77th minute.

Billy Mehmet’s header was collected by substitute McGinn inside the box and he sent a superb curling effort past Allan McGregor.

Only the woodwork prevented Rangers from drawing level in the final minutes when Sasa Papac set Kris Boyd up for what looked certain to be the equaliser only to see his header crash off the post.

Boyd and Kenny Miller were then both denied at the death in a goalmouth scramble and Kirk Broadfoot saw his header cleared off the line as Rangers threw everything at their hosts only to return to Ibrox empty-handed.