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OTD: Rangers defied the odds with stunning League Cup victory

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With no live football planned for the foreseeable, the current period offers an opportunity to look back to some classic Rangers moments.

One of those came on this day in 2010 when the Gers defied the odds to defeat St Mirren 1-0 in the League Cup Final despite being earlier reduced to nine men.

Rangers manager Walter Smith holds the League Cup aloft after the win over St Mirren
Rangers manager Walter Smith holds the League Cup aloft after the win over St Mirren. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

Walter Smith’s side were strong favourites for the Hampden showpiece, and the decorated boss named a strong starting XI including the likes of Kris Boyd, Nacho Novo and Steven Davis [BBC Sport].

However, Rangers struggled to find their rhythm in front of a crowd of over 44,000 at the national stadium and lapses of discipline put them very much on the back foot.

Kevin Thomson was sent off by referee Craig Thomson in the 52nd minute before Danny Wilson also saw red less than 20 minutes later.

Down to nine men, it looked as though the Gers would have to try and somehow see it through to extra-time and penalties.

That is until Kenny Miller stepped up with what was, in the circumstances, an unlikely goal.

Miller jumps the advertising hoarding after netting the winner. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

After diffusing a Buddies attack, Rangers broke forward through Steven Naismith, who surged down the right flank.

As the clock ticked over into the 84th minute, he crossed into the area and Miller got up between two defenders to guide a fine header into the far corner.

The goal sparked wild celebrations amongst the thousands of Bears in the ground and it proved enough to secure the club the League Cup trophy.

Nikica Jelavic would then go on to be the hero the following year, with his extra-time finish securing a 2-1 victory over Celtic.