Stephen Robinson says first half goal ended Saints' hope against Gers at Ibrox

Stephen Robinson last night rued the moment that mattered after Rangers made a timely breakthrough to sicken St Mirren.

A deadly double from Abdallah Sima, his first goal coming right before the break, earned Rangers a 2-0 triumph at Ibrox.

The Buddies battled throughout and Gers keeper Jack Butland was forced into a couple of smart saves to preserve his side’s clean sheet.

But it was the Light Blues who produced the attacking quality when they needed it most to ensure Saints returned back along the M8 empty-handed.

Boss Robinson said: “I think [the first goal] changes the mood in the stadium, obviously.

“I thought we frustrated them and the shape was excellent— we had a couple of half-chances ourselves.

“I thought we gained control at times and instead of hoofing the ball forward, we were able to buy some passes to come out the other side.

"We were too passive in the second half in terms of our press. Our 10s dropped a little deeper than we wanted them to and we never got close enough to put real pressure on them. But that happens when you come to Ibrox at times. Ultimately, in comparison to our performance against Ross County, it was a lot braver on the ball and there’s a lot we can improve on.

“I didn’t think Rangers troubled us in the first half and I thought we were very good without the ball. In the middle third we were composed.

“There were times when we could have stepped forward and been more aggressive with our press but it is difficult — I’ll never criticise the players for their effort and organisation. We were very, very good at times.

“You’ve got to play with a little bit of caution but we played with too much defensively and that’s a lesson we can learn.

“The second goal kills us as it’s one ball that splits the