The bald facts are that the scoreline was comfortable for Rangers and they are now three victories away from winning League One.

The reality, though, was that Stranraer were difficult opponents who more than contributed to a game that never wholly belonged to either side.

The Ibrox team took the lead - but not command of the encounter - in the fourth minute. It was only when calamity befell the Stranraer goalkeeper, David Mitchell, with two minutes remaining - he headed a clearance off Jon Daly, allowing the striker to casually stroke the ball into an empty net - that the visitors could be sure of the outcome.

"We were very professional,' said Ally McCoist, the Rangers manager. "We can play better but we're happy with the victory. I don't think the playing surface helped, it wasn't conducive to either team."

McCoist made four changes to his starting line-up, bringing in Richard Foster, Bilel Mohsni, Arnold Peralta and Steven Smith. There was a sense of purpose to the visitors in the opening stages and they went ahead when Lee Wallace played a deft one-two with Nicky Law before surging into the penalty area and lashing a left-foot shot beyond Mitchell.

The goal, in its swiftness and directness, ought to have subdued the home side. With three central midfelders and two wide players either side of Daly, Rangers were set up to pin back Stranraer and impose themselves on the game. But the home side regathered their poise and instead it was Rangers who felt their frustration build.

Stranraer, too, were thwarted though. Ian Black missed a free kick into the Rangers penalty area, then Daly sliced the ball towards his own goal. If Cammy Bell hadn't been alert and agile enough to dive quickly down to his left, it might have squirmed in rather than be pushed wide.

Even changing personnel at the back did not bring wholesale stability to Rangers. Foster was twice nutmegged during the opening half, while a failure to clear a corner kick ended with Jamie Longworth, the Stranraer striker, sending an overhead kick just above the crossbar. By pressing their visitors mercilessly, Stranraer never allowed Rangers to settle into any passing rhythm or composed state of mind.

At one point during the first half, McCoist yelled "forward" in frustration as yet another pass was sent backwards by one of his midfielders. Rangers were often too cautious on the ball, and since the three central midfielders kept seeking to pass the ball rather than drive forward, Stranraer were able to hold their shape.

Crosses were still effective, and one delivery from deep should have been converted by Daly, but he steered his header wide from close range.

With Stranraer capable of playing some thoughtful and effective football in midfield, they carried a constant threat. They were also capable of taking advantage of hesitant Rangers defending at set-pieces.

When Mark Docherty sent a high free kick into the penalty area, the ball was headed down to Scott
Robertson near the penalty spot and his swivel then shot on the half-volley brought out a  brilliant diving save by Bell. After the interval, Stranraer continued to be lively and progressive, while Rangers were more laboured. They did almost score when Wallace galloped down the left and Daly headed his cross goalward but Mitchell saved and then blocked the striker's follow-up effort.

Despite hoarding possession, and working the ball upfield with determination, Stranraer did not create any clear chances. An Andrew Stirling run took him past two static Rangers players but ended with a cross nobody could convert.

For Rangers, Foster and Andrew Little awkwardly worked the ball into the penalty area only for Law's shot to cannon back off Mitchell.

"I'm very proud," said Stephen Aitken, the Stranraer manager. "We competed with the best side in the division. The scoreline was harsh. We gave it a good go and there wasn't much between the sides."