SPL: St Mirren 0 Rangers 1

Rangers kept their surge for the Scottish Premier League title going with a 1-0 win over St Mirren on Sunday.

English defender Kyle Bartley, on loan from Arsenal, scored his first goal in Rangers colours in the 24th minute to help the Scottish powerhouse move within five points of leaders Celtic, with Walter Smith’s side having a crucial two games in hand.

Bartley was on hand at the back post to head home Madjid Bougherra’s cross from one yard out, and send the visiting fans at St Mirren Park into raptures.

The loss means St Mirren remain in second-last place on the table, seven clear of cellar-dwellers Hamilton but nine points behind 10th-placed Aberdeen.

Rangers take on PSV Eindhoven in the Europa League round of 16 on Thursday.