GERS ARE ASTRO TOUGH

Leaders run off with precious victory after showing their mettle to clear major hurdle in gripping title race

- ANDY NEWPORT

KILMARNOCK....1 RANGERS....2 

PHILIPPE CLEMENT has warned his Rangers players more than once that the Premiership title race is a marathon, not a sprint.

There are some big hurdles to overcome too as they head down the home straight.

But if the pacesetters can keep clearing tests like this then there's every chance they will make the finish line first.

Not many teams will set a higher bar than Derek McInnes impressive, high-octane Kilmarnock on their slippery synthetic surface.

It looked as though Rangers were set to take a huge stumble just 10 days on from hitting the front after Danny Armstrong stroked home an early spot-kick.

In the end, Clement's side overcame this potentially hazardous barrier - but only just. It took a stunning free-kick from skipper James Tavernier to get them back level.

It was the 20th goal of yet another remarkable goalscoring campaign from the full-back.

There are plenty who argue that the Englishman is not legend material. But he has now drawn level with the greatest-ever Ranger John Greig on 121 goals for the club and if he can lead this side to another title that debate will be put to bed once and for all.

The travelling supporters were still dancing to their equaliser when Tom Lawrence then fired the goal that put them back in front and back on top of a Celtic side running amok at home to Dundee.

It was harsh on fourth-placed Killie, who put in yet another tireless shift for their gaffer.

Clement had sounded a danger warning ahead of his first trip down the M77 and with good reason.

The Light Blues had managed just four wins from their previous 12 visits to East Ayrshire, with only the 3-1 triumph under Steven Gerrard back in August 2018 boasting a winning margin of more than a single strike.