St Mirren manager Stephen Robinson poured praise on his two Northern Ireland heroes who shot down Rangers.
Former Dungannon Swifts ace Oisin Smyth and Northern Ireland midfielder Caolan Boyd-Munce brought the Gers’ resurgence to an abrupt end in a 2-1 home win.
Boyd-Munce’s stoppage-time strike leaves the Light Blues 12 points behind Premiership leaders Celtic.
Philippe Clement’s side trailed at the break to a Smyth penalty on the half-hour mark and Brazilian striker Danilo’s second half finish counted for nothing when former Glentoran youngster Boyd-Munce pounced near the end.
Buddies boss and former Northern Ireland midfielder Robinson beamed: “I’m delighted with the result. We played with no fear, forced Rangers into errors and I don’t think they really threatened in the first half.
“The response (to the equaliser) was magnificent. I think we deserved to win.
“Oisin (Smyth) is a brilliant example to everybody. He knuckled down and is getting his rewards. Him and Caolan Boyd-Munce both showed what quality they have.
“We’re a point ahead of last season, it’s testament to this group of players and their resilience.”
Smyth added: “I’m buzzing. That’s a massive moment for us. I just picked my side (for the penalty) and thankfully the keeper went the wrong way. It’s a long time coming that result.”
Match-winner Boyd-Munce was thrilled with his late goal, saying: “It’s been a tough few months, so it’s more relief than anything.”
St Mirren’s last win over Rangers was in December 2020 – a 3-2 League Cup quarter-final victory.
Their last league win over Rangers came on Christmas Eve 2011, when goals from Aaron Mooy and Paul McGowan earned a 2-1 victory.
An angry Clement blasted: “We threw away 45 minutes. Our first half was not acceptable, not good enough.”
While Robinson’s side are fifth in the Premiership and continue to impress, Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic thrashed Motherwell 4-0.
Striker Kyle Vassell, who earned two Northern Ireland caps in 2018, scored the opener in Kilmarnock’s 4-0 home win over Aberdeen.
Ends