Rangers 5–1 St Mirren: Comprehensive Match Report

Rangers produced a commanding second-half performance to sweep aside Scottish League Cup holders St Mirren 5–1 at Ibrox on Sunday, August 16, 2026. The result secured Rangers’ passage into the quarter-finals and gave manager Derek McInnes his first victory since taking charge.

The contest was competitive during the opening 45 minutes, but Rangers eventually pulled away after the interval, scoring three times in a devastating 22-minute spell.

Rangers Make Fast Start

Rangers wasted little time putting pressure on the visitors and opened the scoring inside the first 10 minutes.

⚽ 9′ — Ryan Naderi puts Rangers ahead

Ryan Naderi gave Rangers the lead in the ninth minute.

Naderi, who was selected ahead of captain Lawrence Shankland to lead the Rangers attack, reacted quickly inside the penalty area to convert a close-range opportunity after good work from Djeidi Gassama.

The early goal gave Rangers the platform they wanted.

Rangers 1–0 St Mirren.

⚽ 18′ — Vanja Dragojevic doubles the lead

Rangers extended their advantage nine minutes later with a spectacular effort from Vanja Dragojevic.

The defender unleashed a powerful volley from roughly 25 yards, sending the ball beyond the St Mirren goalkeeper for his first Rangers goal.

It was arguably the outstanding strike of the opening half and put the hosts firmly in control.

Rangers 2–0 St Mirren.

St Mirren Respond

Despite being two goals behind, St Mirren refused to surrender and managed to reduce the deficit before half-time.

⚽ 30′ — Chris Mochrie pulls one back

Chris Mochrie gave the visitors renewed hope in the 30th minute.

Mochrie produced an impressive long-range strike, finding the net from distance and cutting Rangers’ lead to just one goal.

Rangers 2–1 St Mirren.

The goal changed the feel of the contest, with St Mirren growing in confidence. Rangers nevertheless retained their narrow advantage going into the interval.

Half-time: Rangers 2–1 St Mirren.

Rangers Explode After Half-Time

Whatever concerns Rangers may have had at the break disappeared quickly after the restart.

The hosts returned with greater attacking intensity and effectively settled the tie with three goals in just 22 minutes.

⚽ 52′ — Djeidi Gassama restores two-goal lead

Rangers regained their two-goal cushion in the 52nd minute.

James Penrice played a key role in creating the opportunity before Djeidi Gassama completed the move to make it 3–1.

The goal provided Rangers with the breathing space they needed.

Rangers 3–1 St Mirren.

⚽ 54′ — James Penrice makes dream debut

Just two minutes later, Rangers struck again.

This time James Penrice went from provider to goalscorer, finding the net to make it 4–1.

It was a remarkable way for the new signing to mark his Rangers debut, having already contributed to Gassama’s goal moments earlier.

Rangers 4–1 St Mirren.

⚽ 74′ — Ross McCausland completes the rout

Rangers added a fifth in the 74th minute through substitute Ross McCausland.

The winger made an immediate impact after coming off the bench, scoring on his first Rangers appearance in 16 months.

Rangers 5–1 St Mirren.

The fifth goal effectively ended any remaining doubt about the outcome.

St Mirren Miss Late Penalty

The visitors were handed an opportunity to reduce the deficit when they were awarded a penalty late in the match.

Killian Phillips initially converted from the spot, but the kick had to be retaken following an infringement.

When Phillips stepped up for the second attempt, Rangers goalkeeper Ivor Pandur produced an excellent save, preventing St Mirren from adding a second goal.

It summed up a frustrating afternoon for the cup holders.

Rangers’ Second-Half Dominance

Rangers’ superiority was reflected in the match statistics.

The numbers underline Rangers’ attacking superiority, particularly in terms of attempts and shots on target.

Penrice Enjoys Outstanding Debut

One of the biggest positives for Rangers was the performance of James Penrice.

The new signing played a direct role in the third goal before scoring Rangers’ fourth himself just two minutes later. His contribution helped turn the match into a comfortable victory after St Mirren had threatened to make things difficult.

Djeidi Gassama and Ryan Naderi also made important contributions, while McCausland’s return to competitive action was capped by a goal.

Goal Timeline

McInnes Finally Gets His First Win

The result represents an important milestone for Derek McInnes, who finally secured his first victory as Rangers manager.

After Rangers’ difficult opening results, the emphatic cup success will provide a significant boost in confidence. The manner of the second-half performance will be particularly encouraging, with Rangers turning a 2–1 contest into a comprehensive 5–1 victory.

St Mirren, meanwhile, will be disappointed to surrender their League Cup defence so emphatically after briefly giving themselves hope through Mochrie’s first-half goal.

Rangers Set Up Celtic Quarter-Final

The victory sends Rangers into the Scottish League Cup quarter-finals, where they have been drawn against Celtic at Ibrox.

That sets up a huge Old Firm meeting in the next round and gives McInnes an early opportunity to test his developing Rangers side against their biggest rivals.

Final Result

Rangers 5–1 St Mirren

Goals: Ryan Naderi 9′, Vanja Dragojevic 18′, Chris Mochrie 30′, Djeidi Gassama 52′, James Penrice 54′, Ross McCausland 74′

Venue: Ibrox Stadium
Competition: Scottish League Cup
Date: Sunday, August 16, 2026
Result: Rangers advance to the quarter-finals.