Second half goals from Alfredo Morelos and Danny Wilson canceled out Craig Curran’s first-half opener to see Gers defeat the Staggies at Ibrox for the first time ever.
The opening minutes were rather tentative, with both sides enjoying possession in advanced areas without really challenging either goalkeeper. Indeed, the first genuine effort of the game was a Kenny Miller volley from 25-yards which whistled just narrowly over.
From the next passage of play however on 10 minutes, Ross County took a shock lead. Jason Naismith managed to get to the by-line and he delivered a superb ball into the six-yard box which Craig Curran had the simple task of guiding into the back of the net with his head.
It was naturally a blow to go behind so early-on in the game, but it’s one Gers responded positively to. Firstly, James Tavernier, after doing so well to weave his way into the box, stung the palms of goalkeeper Scott Fox, with his save having just enough on it to steer the ball away from the incoming Kenny Miller.
At the other end, Wes Foderingham made a comfortable save from Curran as he threatened again from 20 yards before a superb surging run from deep from Declan John saw him find Jason Holt who in turn teed-up Kenny Miller on the penalty spot. Under pressure however, Miller’s shot was weak but still required an excellent save from Fox to save a certain goal.
Miller was certainly getting into good positions for chances, but even for him, his next opportunity would really have required something special as he was unable to turn-in a Daniel Candeias cross at the back-post from a highly acute angle.
Half-time arrived with no change in the scoreline, and that prompted Graeme Murty to replace Carlos Pena with Alfredo Morelos in order to try and spark some life into his side.
And, Morelos had a glorious chance to level matters just minutes after coming on. Declan John’s cross from the by-line was terrific, took Fox out of play and seemingly had to be put into the net by the Colombian.
Somehow, he failed to do so, the ball went dead and the chance was gone. But with his next opportunity, he made no mistake.
In midfield, County passed up possession cheaply, with Kenny Miller stepping in to drive it forward. He found Candeias out on the right wing, and with another fabulous ball in, found Morelos on the penalty spot to rifle home.
It finally brought to an end his 10 game scoring drought, with Ibrox brought to life with the supporters sensing a win could be garnered from the game.
They were almost brought back to earth with both Davis Keillor-Dunn and Ryan Down missing good opportunities for County, but Gers always seemed to be on the front-foot.
Ross McCrorie played a stunning ball through the middle of the County defence for Josh Windass, and it seemed certain he would score, but as he went to take his shot just shy of the penalty spot, Sean Kelly came from nowhere with an outstanding tackle to deny him.
That proved to be the last action of the game for McCrorie, who had been through the wars throughout the game, and had picked up one knock to many meaning he had to be replaced by fellow youngster Jamie Barjonas.
Barjonas almost had an immediate impact, flashing a 25-yard drive just wide, before with eight minutes remaining, Rangers finally got their noses in front.
After Daniel Candeias was brought down for a free-kick high on the right wing, James Tavernier delivered a delicious ball into the box.
There to meet it with a diving header was Josh Windass, only for Fox to foil him. The goalkeeper’s save however landed perfectly on the head of Danny Wilson, and he just guided the ball over the line to send Ibrox into raptures.
For all of Gers huff and puff, finally they had an end product, but in injury time, they were handed an almighty let-off as following an incredible goalmouth scramble, the ball broke the way of Jamie Lindsay who somehow fired wide of an unguarded net.
The full-time whistle brought celebrations of relief more than anything else, as for the first time this season, Rangers have won three games on the bounce.
RANGERS: Foderingham; Tavernier, Alves, Wilson, John; McCrorie (Barjonas, 73) Holt, Candeias, Pena (Morelos, 45); Windass, Miller.
SUBS NOT USED: Kelly, Herrera, Hodson, Kranjcar, Bates.
ROSS COUNTY: Fox, Fraser, Naismith, Routis, Kelly (Van der Weg, 75) Gardyne (Dow, 64), Curran, Davies, Lindsay, O’Brien, Eagles (Keillor-Dunn, 53).
SUBS NOT USED: McCarey, Schalk, Draper, McKay.
REFEREE: Euan Anderson.
ATTENDANCE: 48, 139.