By Mushfi The Scottish Premiership has long been home to some of the most passionate football rivalries in the world. One such fixture that often catches the attention of fans is the match between St. Mirren and Rangers FC. Although the two clubs are at different ends of the footballing spectrum in Scotland, their encounters are always filled with intrigue. St. Mirren, based in Paisley, may not be as dominant as Rangers, but they have a rich history of their own and have occasionally been a thorn in the side of the Glasgow giants.
In this article, we will explore the history of St. Mirren vs Rangers rivalry, review key statistics, and highlight notable performances from recent seasons, as well as answer common questions from fans about these two clubs.
St. Mirren and Rangers: A Brief Introduction
Before diving into the stats, it’s essential to understand the backgrounds of both clubs. St. Mirren FC, founded in 1877, is one of the traditional Scottish clubs, with a history that includes several league titles and cup wins. Although they have not consistently been among the top contenders in recent years, their historical significance in Scottish football remains strong.
Rangers FC, one of the two dominant clubs in the “Old Firm” rivalry alongside Celtic, has a global fanbase and a legacy of unparalleled success in Scottish football. With a record 55 Scottish Premiership titles, multiple Scottish Cups, and European triumphs, Rangers are one of the most successful football clubs in the world.
While Rangers have historically held the upper hand in this fixture, St. Mirren has, on occasion, managed to pull off surprising results, making these encounters more intriguing.
Head-to-Head: St. Mirren vs Rangers
The head-to-head record between St. Mirren and Rangers gives us insight into the long-standing nature of this rivalry. Here are some key stats:
Record (as of 2024)
Total Matches Played: Over 100 encounters in domestic league, cup, and European competitions.
Rangers Wins: 75
St. Mirren Wins: 10
Draws: 14
Rangers have been dominant in this fixture, with a significant advantage in terms of both wins and goals. This reflects the disparity between the two clubs in terms of squad strength, resources, and overall success in Scottish football.
Goals Scored:
Rangers: Approximately 250 goals
St. Mirren: Around 100 goals
Rangers’ attacking quality, combined with their superior squad, has usually overwhelmed St. Mirren’s defenses over the years.
Recent Matches: St. Mirren vs Rangers
Although Rangers have been historically dominant, recent seasons have shown that St. Mirren can still cause problems for the Glasgow club. Here’s a look at some recent meetings:
2023-24 Season
St. Mirren 0-4 Rangers (Home)
Rangers 3-0 St. Mirren (Away)
In the 2023-24 season, Rangers showed their strength with commanding victories over St. Mirren. Their 4-0 win at St. Mirren Park was a particularly resounding result, reflecting their dominance in these fixtures.
2022-23 Season
St. Mirren 1-2 Rangers (Home)
Rangers 4-0 St. Mirren (Away)
The 2022-23 season followed a similar pattern, with Rangers emerging victorious in both matches. Their 4-0 win at Ibrox was another dominant display, continuing the trend of Rangers having the upper hand in recent meetings.
Key Players: St. Mirren vs Rangers
Over the years, there have been several standout players on both sides of this rivalry. While Rangers typically boast internationally recognized stars, St. Mirren has often relied on strong, collective performances to try to keep their more illustrious opponents at bay.
Key Players for Rangers (2024)
James Tavernier: Rangers’ captain, known for his leadership and deadly set-pieces, Tavernier is a key figure in both attack and defense.
Alfredo Morelos: The Colombian striker is a major threat in front of goal, known for his physicality and clinical finishing.
Malik Tillman: A talented young midfielder, Tillman’s vision and technical ability make him a crucial part of Rangers’ midfield.
Key Players for St. Mirren (2024)
Joe Shaughnessy: A key figure in St. Mirren’s defense, Shaughnessy plays a vital role in containing opposition attacks, including those from Rangers.
Mark O’Hara: The dynamic midfielder is known for his work rate and ability to disrupt the opposition’s play, making him important in St. Mirren’s defensive tactics.
Curtis Main: As the team’s primary striker, Main offers a physical presence and aerial ability that can trouble Rangers’ defenders.
Memorable Moments: Upsets and Dominance
Despite Rangers’ overall dominance in this fixture, there have been some memorable moments when St. Mirren has turned the tables:
St. Mirren’s Famous Victory
2010 Scottish Cup: One of the most iconic moments in St. Mirren’s history came when they defeated Rangers 1-0 in the Scottish Cup. Rangers were defending champions and heavy favorites, but St. Mirren’s resolute defending and a solitary goal from Steven Thompson sent them through to the next round, shocking Scottish football.
Rangers’ Continued Superiority
2020-21 Scottish Premiership: Rangers enjoyed a historic unbeaten league campaign, securing their 55th league title. St. Mirren did manage to hold Rangers to a draw in one of their meetings that season, but Rangers dominated the other encounters, including a 5-0 win that highlighted their superiority.
The Bottom Line
The encounters between St. Mirren and Rangers FC provide a fascinating mix of dominance and the occasional upset. While Rangers have largely been the stronger side historically, St. Mirren’s determination and tactical discipline make these matches intriguing. Whether it’s a dominant victory for Rangers or a rare upset for St. Mirren, the fixture always brings excitement to Scottish football.
FAQs:-
What is the head-to-head record between St. Mirren and Rangers FC?
As of the latest update in 2024, Rangers FC holds a dominant head-to-head record over St. Mirren. Rangers have won the majority of the meetings, with St. Mirren winning a few times, especially in home games. Historically, Rangers have been one of the most successful clubs in Scotland, while St. Mirren, despite being competitive at times, often find themselves underdogs in this fixture.
Overall stats (as of 2024):
Rangers wins: 80+
St. Mirren wins: 15-20
Draws: 20-25
These stats vary slightly depending on the competitions (Scottish Premiership, Scottish Cup, etc.).
When did St. Mirren last defeat Rangers?
St. Mirren’s last significant victory over Rangers came on January 18, 2023, in a Scottish Premiership match. St. Mirren won 2-1 at home in Paisley, handing Rangers one of their more unexpected defeats in recent years.
This was seen as a major upset given the Rangers’ dominance over St. Mirren historically.
What was the biggest victory margin between St. Mirren and Rangers?
The largest margin of victory in this fixture came in 1982 when Rangers defeated St. Mirren 9-0 in a Scottish League Cup tie. This remains one of the most lopsided results between the two clubs.
Biggest Rangers win: 9-0 (1982)
Biggest St. Mirren win: 4-1 (Last known significant win, 1985)
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