**Scottish Premiership Round 4: Rangers Triumph Over St. Johnstone, Securing Top Spot**
In the highly anticipated Round 4 encounter between Rangers and St. Johnstone at Ibrox Park, the hosts emerged victorious with a commanding 3-1 scoreline, solidifying their position atop the league standings.
The match kicked off on a promising note for Rangers, as they quickly took control of the midfield and set up numerous attacking opportunities. The first goal came just after half-time when striker Scott Allan found the back of the net from close range, giving Rangers a 1-0 lead.
St. Johnstone did not go down without a fight, however. In the second half, the visitors began to mount a comeback. A well-taken penalty kick by goalkeeper David Marshall was saved, but the effort provided momentum that eventually paid dividends. The St. Johnstone midfielder, Jamie Walker, converted his own penalty to bring the game level at 1-1.
As the final minutes approached, Rangers continued to dominate possession and pressure. With only minutes left on the clock, substitute winger Alex McLeish scored the decisive goal for the hosts. His cross from the right wing found its way into the net, putting Rangers firmly ahead and sealing their victory.
This win is a significant milestone for Rangers, who now hold a three-point advantage over Celtic in the table. It also marks the team's fifth consecutive league win, which is a remarkable achievement considering the competitive nature of the Scottish Premiership.
The performance of Rangers' defense was equally impressive, with keeper Marc Boddington making several crucial saves to keep out St. Johnstone's attacks. Their defensive solidity allowed them to maintain control throughout the match and capitalize on any scoring opportunities that arose.
For St. Johnstone, this defeat comes as a bitter blow, particularly given their recent form. The club had been struggling in recent matches, including a disappointing draw against Aberdeen in the previous round. This loss further erodes their chances of challenging for promotion, leaving them looking to bounce back in the upcoming rounds.
With Rangers firmly in the driver's seat, the rest of the season will be closely watched as they look to build upon this victory and secure their place in the Scottish Premiership title race. As always, the competition remains fierce, and both teams will need to remain focused and committed if they hope to continue their upward trajectory in the league.