Saints go marching out as Rangers book Forfar cup date

LIGHT BLUES EASE THROUGH THANKS TO McCAFFREY OWN GOAL AND LATE NOVO STRIKE

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CUP AGONY: Stuart McCaffrey, left, has that sinking feeling after his own goal gave Rangers the lead

Rangers embarked on the defence of their Scottish Cup by easing aside First Division leaders St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park last night to set up a trip to Forfar.

The Perth men were kept at bay by Ibrox keeper Allan Mcgregor in the first half but a Stuart McCaffrey own goal minutes before the interval and a late Nacho Novo strike ensured Saints were left searching for their first Scottish Cup win against the Ibrox side.

After 14 games unbeaten, Saints manager Derek McInnes did not risk thigh injury victim and top scorer Stevie Milne, opting to leave him on the bench.

The holders fielded a full-strength side with Kris Boyd and Barry Ferguson starting, despite recent transfer speculation. Steven Naismith returned to the Light Blues line-up for the first time since damaging a cruciate in a semi-final clash with the Perth side at Hampden Park nine months ago.

Saints winger Gavin Swankie was inches away from securing a second minute spot kick but the former Dundee player's swerving free kick from the angle of the box had to be beaten out by McGregor. Chris Millar was cautioned for a late lunge which floored Pedro Mendes.

In the 16th minute St Johnstone swept forward again and when striker Andy Jackson fed Liam Craig the midfielder's instinctive rising snapshot from 20 yards was tipped to safety by McGregor.

Saints created an even better chance in the 33rd minute when a Derek Holmes knockdown picked out Jackson on his own only for the centre's 12-yard shot to rebound from McGregor's spread legs.

Perth captain Kevin Rutkiewicz was yellow- carded for a wild tackle which took out Naismith in full flight. Mendes and Madjid Bougherra joined him after the break.

The SPL side snatched a 42nd-minute lead when luckless defender McCaffrey jabbed out a foot and his attempted close-range clearance flew high into the net from four yards.

Veteran keeper Alan Main was culpable for chasing an overhit Naismith cross out of his penalty area.

Instead of booting it into the stand he was left trying to make up lost ground when Steven Davis fed Boyd. The Ibrox forward drilled in a low cross and while Kenny Miller failed to provide the finish McCaffrey's touch soared into the top corner.

Main brilliantly defied Miller in the second half but Holmes and Rutkiewcz went close with headers.

Twelve minutes from the end Davis set-up Novo for a simple close-range finish.

ST JOHNSTONE – Main, Irvine, Rutkiewicz, McCaffrey, Hanlon (Sheerin 71), Millar, Morris, Craig, Swankie (Milne 86), Holmes, Jackson (Samuel 59).

RANGERS – McGregor, Broadfoot, Weir, Bougherra, Papac, Davis, Mendes, Ferguson, Naismith (Novo 71), Miller (McCulloch 85), Boyd (Fleck 85).