Kelsy double powers Rangers past St Johnstone as Dundee United edge Aberdeen

Rangers answer back with four-goal Ibrox win

Rangers responded to last weekend’s dropped points at Dundee with a commanding 4-0 victory over St Johnstone at a rain-swept Ibrox, drawing to within one point of Scottish Premiership leaders Celtic.

Kevin Kelsy opened the scoring in the 29th minute, with St Johnstone goalkeeper Toby Steward making a series of saves to keep the visitors in contention before the break. Ryan Naderi doubled Rangers’ lead on 61 minutes, and Kelsy struck again five minutes later.

St Johnstone’s Kai Fotheringham was sent off in the 74th minute for a high challenge on Nico Raskin. Referee Chris Graham showed the straight red after being directed by the video assistant referee to review the incident at the pitchside monitor. Substitute Tochi Chukwuani completed the scoring three minutes from time.

Celtic can restore a four-point advantage when they visit bottom side Hibernian on Sunday.

Dundee United hold off Aberdeen in five-goal contest

Dundee United beat Aberdeen 3-2 at Tannadice in a fluctuating match that lifted the hosts to fourth, one point behind Hearts. Aberdeen slipped to ninth.

Zidane Iqbal gave United the lead before Nesta Guinness-Walker scored Aberdeen’s equaliser, with both players finding the net for their clubs for the first time. Dylan Tait put United back in front, but Connor Ronan levelled after half-time. Zac Sapsford then scored the decisive goal for the hosts.

Falkirk and St Mirren collect wins

Falkirk moved up to seventh with a 3-0 win over Kilmarnock, aided by two own goals. Kilmarnock centre-backs Cathal McCarthy and George Stanger each put the ball into their own net, while Jacob Murrell also scored for Falkirk.

St Mirren ended their losing run with a 2-1 victory over Dundee. Calvin Ramsay and Eseosa Sule scored for the hosts before Bradley Fink pulled one back for Dundee.