MAKE his a double. The champagne remains on ice at Ibrox but Antonio Colak again gave Rangers another reason to celebrate against St Mirren.
The Croatian took his tally for the campaign to 13 with a brace to beat the Buddies and keep Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side two points adrift of Celtic in the Premiership.
This was the third fixture on the spin that Colak has netted twice. Like in the wins over Dundee United and Hearts, his contribution was clinical and crucial.
The argument that Rangers are a more complete side with Alfredo Morelos leading the line continues to hold significant weight. Come Wednesday evening, it would be no surprise to see the Colombian get the nod against Liverpool once again.
But the record of Colak cannot be overlooked domestically. His overall game is not perfect, yet the ability to score as regularly, to repeatedly make the most of the chances that come his way, will be so important to Rangers over the course of the title race.
His first goal here set Van Bronckhorst’s side on their way to victory. His second made sure of the points as the gap that had been opened up by Celtic’s dramatic win at St Johnstone was closed in a comfortable fashion at Ibrox.
The crowd here can be notoriously fickle at times. On occasions such as this, the importance of an early goal – one which settles the nerves and breaks the resistance of the visitors – cannot be underestimated.
It would arrive after just four minutes. It was as case of the first part of the job being done as St Mirren’s hopes of turning the Rangers fans against their side were extinguished.
The opener was made in Croatia. Borna Barisic tried his luck with a low strike from distance and it would beat the outstretched hand of Trevor Carson before striking the post.
It is said that all good strikers are in the right place at the right time. Once again, that was the case for Colak and he showed his natural nous by following in and ensuring he was able to meet the rebound and convert from just a couple of yards out.
It was just the start that Van Bronckhorst needed. Chances would follow for the remainder of the first half but Carson only had to pick the ball out of his net once more.
That fact would have frustrated Rangers given their dominance, but they were well worthy of their lead.
The first goal of the afternoon had come via a now familiar source. The same can be said of the second as Tavernier doubled the lead with a clinical finish from 12 yards.
Colak was involved in the award. There was little danger as a Tavernier pass was fizzed into the front post and the challenge from Declan Gallagher was needless.
Referee Nick Walsh deemed it excessive as well and pointed to the spot. On the touchline, a bemused Stephen Robinson wouldn’t have felt any better as he watched Tavernier score for the fourth time this term.
The Buddies had equipped themselves well in spells. Indeed, they would have returned to the dressing room wondering how they hadn’t opened their account.
Allan McGregor made a smart stop to deny Alex Grieve just minutes after Colak’s opener as he spun well inside the area and got his shot away. St Mirren’s best chance arrived in the minutes that followed Tavernier’s penalty.
A Scott Tanser cross deceived the Rangers defence and Marcus Fraser found himself with time and space at the back post. His header was placed straight at McGregor and Rangers were let off the hook.
That moment would have concerned Van Bronckhorst. He could be satisfied overall but Rangers still had more levels to move into.
Carson was equal to a strike from Ryan Jack and dealt with a Tavernier effort at the second attempt as he tipped the ball over his bar. Another long-range drive from the captain was also saved before the penalty that rendered his efforts in vain.
The third goal was needed to end this one as a contest. The closest Rangers came was through Rabbi Matondo as his crisp strike came back off the woodwork and ricocheted clear.
The winger was subbed off just minutes. This was his chance to make a real impact, but he again only showed flashes before being replaced by Ryan Kent.
Matondo’s decision making left a lot to be desired at times and he has still to prove that he has the end product to be worthy of a regular place in this forward line. Given how ineffective Malik Tillman was at Anfield, there could be a place for Matondo against Liverpool.
The other switch saw Ben Davies replaced by Leon King. When the Champions League music rings round Ibrox, they could well be partners at the back once again as Van Bronckhorst plots a way to get more joy against the Reds and somehow get a point out of their grasps.
The Dutchman would naturally have had one eye on midweek. This one still required plenty of focus, though, and McGregor had to be alert as he closed the angle and made a crucial block after Mark O’Hara got in down the left.
St Mirren were left to rue that miss. Their midfield and defence were unlocked by the pace of Fashion Sakala and Carson was beaten by Colak.
It was another lovely finish from the Croatian. He received the ball in the right channel, cut back inside and found the far corner with the outside of his foot and the warm applause, and deserved Man of the Match award, were well earned once again.
The final say would go to Sakala. Given his efforts, he was probably due the goal and he finished emphatically after collecting a pass from Morelos.
Another four goals and another three points made for a pleasing afternoon. Rangers need many more to come if they are to build serious momentum in the title race.
