With Celtic holding a significant goal-difference advantage going into the game, Rangers were desperate to notch up a big total against bottom-six side St Mirren.
Rangers got the best possible start scoring in the first four minutes but did not achieve the predicted rout giving Celtic a four-goal advantage going into the final game for both teams.
Kris Boyd fired Rangers into the lead after just four minutes. Steven Davis made a great run out of defence before finding Kirk Broadfoot on the edge of the area.
The former St Mirren man crossed to Boyd instead of choosing to shoot and the out-of-favour striker made no mistake at the back post.
After such a bright start it looked as if Rangers would push on to chase their target of a big win but it was St Mirren that looked the better side for the next 20 minutes.
Stephen McGinn and Will Haining both tested Neil Alexander with headers although real scoring chances were at a premium.
But it was Rangers that extended their lead midway through the first half. As St Mirren's defence failed to clear their lines, Jean-Claude Darcheville blasted in a shot from the edge of the area that beat Mark Howard and found the bottom corner of the net.
Shortly afterwards Rangers were lucky to keep all 11 players on the pitch after a scuffle broke out. Steven Whittaker appeared to pull down Hugh Murray, and Kevin Thomson and Billy Mehmet both got involved in the ensuing argument.
All four were booked, but Whittaker was fortunate not to receive a red card after pushing Mehmet in the face.
With half-time approaching Darcheville nearly doubled his tally, striking the upright with a speculative overhead kick.
The second half started at a high pace, and while Rangers were applying most of the pressure, St Mirren still looked dangerous at set-pieces.
Novo and Darcheville both tested Howard while at the other Mehmet came close from a corner. But it was Darcheville who doubled his tally on 69 minutes.
Barry Ferguson ripped apart the St Mirren defence with a great run and the Frenchman did well to keep his composure as he picked up the ball and blasted it high into the net.
Rangers, desperate to improve their goal difference, had a penalty claim turned down by referee Thomson as they claimed handball when Gary Mason cleared off the line from Boyd's shot 15 minutes from time.