It was a squad mixed with relative first-team experience and youth, marshalled by January loan arrival Rafa Fernandes in defence.
Rydnn McGuire, 16, started between the posts, while Connor Campbell and Chris Eadie were given the nod.
In Speaking to RangersTV after the triumph, Smith commented: “There was a good balance in the team in terms of first-team players coming back and getting minutes for the first 60 minutes, then the young players coming on and getting to experience how tough the game was for the last 30 minutes.
“Overall, it was a very pleasing 90 minutes.
“The plan was clear in that the manager wanted certain players to play 60 minutes with an eye on Thursday night.
“The Under-18 programme is also there too, so it actually helped us in terms of balancing the minutes of the younger players.
“It was a good workout for 90 minutes for both groups.
“For Rydnn, Connor [Campbell] and Chris Eadie upfront, it was a good challenge for them. I thought they handled it really well.
“The game did bring certain moments where it’s tough for them, but that’s what these games are for.
“I thought they performed slightly better in the second half; we learned from the moments in the first half and took them into the second half.”
The deciding moment in the game arrived with 18 minutes remaining as Calum Adamson tapped home from Alexander Smith’s cut-back.
It was the moment of quality which the game required, and Smith says he was delighted with the energy and application of his young players who sprung from the substitutes bench after the hour-mark.
He added: “One thing you need to bring as a young player is energy. The first-team staff are watching and you’re ultimately trying to replace first-team squad players.
“You need to bring personality. I know they have it, but it’s different me knowing it than going and showing it to everyone else.
“I’m really happy with how they handled the last 30 minutes.
“It was a moment of composure from Alexander Smith when he gets into the final third and he decides to cut it back rather than going for goal.
“He has that quality, and Calum Adamson brings energy and breaks into the penalty box to tap it in. It was really intelligent play from Alexander in the final third.”
TICKETS: View all available home match tickets for men's fixtures here and women's fixtures here
SHOP: Shop the 2024/25 Home Kit, Away Kit and Third Kit online or at the Rangers Store
RANGERSTV: Get closer to your club with RangersTV subscription HERE
MYGERS: Enjoy exclusive experiences, discounts and events with a MyGers membership HERE