Rangers 3-2 St Johnstone: 10-man Gers edge out Saints at Ibrox

Rangers won for the first time under caretaker boss Graeme Murty as they repelled a late fightback by St Johnstone to secure a thrilling 3-2 victory at Ibrox.

Emerson Hyndman netted an injury-time winner for 10-man Gers but only after the visitors had battled back from a two-goal deficit in the second half

Although the hosts dominated possession, as well as chances created during the first half, they will have felt frustrated at not reaching the break with more than a single-goal lead.

The opening goal arrived in the 22nd minute when the ball fell kindly to Barry Mackay, who fired home from the edge of the box.

Although Gers were the more impressive side, the visitors were dangerous going forward and, 10 minutes before the break, a Paul Paton cross was met by Ricky Foster whose header was well saved by a diving Wes Foderingham.

And with half-time looming, it was the turn of visiting keeper Zander Clark to earn his pay, saving well from Martyn Waghorn.

The visitors certainly came out stronger for the second half and should have levelled matters in the 47th minute when Liam Craig headed Keith Watson's cross against a post.

However, Rangers went straight up the other end to make it 2-0 with Waghorn nodding home Kenny Miller's assist from close range.

Substitute Joe Garner struck a post on 64, after replacing Miller, but with 16 minutes remaining Saints halved the deficit as David Wotherspoon played a one-two with Craig, before lashing home from inside the box.

There were more worrying moments for the home side in the 78th minute when Rob Kiernan was shown a red card, following a bad challenge on Graham Cummins.

And with three minutes remaining, the visiting side were level thanks to Steve Anderson who located the bottom left-hand corner of the net from 12 yards, after Craig's corner was flicked on.

Live Scottish Cup Football

Yet back came Rangers and they almost regained the lead within 60 seconds as Hyndman struck the bar from inside the box, before the American sealed the win one minute into injury time. Danny Wilson launched the ball forward to Clint Hill who nodded on for Hyndman to swivel and score from 18 yards.

The win took Rangers to within six points of second-placed Aberdeen and ended a run of just one point from their previous four games.