So close, yet so far apart ...

In fact, around about this time last season, we had the exact same situation, only it was the Duncansfield outfit that were looking odds on to drop down from the Super League First while the Central District title was within the Guy’s Meadow club’s sights.

What a difference a year makes.

Saturday saw Rangers pick up another important three points with a 3-0 win at home to Shettleston.

Assistant boss Martin Mooney said: “First half we didn’t play particularly well, we never used the ball in the right manner. It wasn’t like us because we’ve been playing well in the first half every week but we were slack in possession.

“Second half we looked better and settled into it more and thankfully it was comfortable in the end.”

Meanwhile, United were beaten 3-0 at home by East Kilbride Thistle.

Manager Danny Drew said: “It was the same old story – gifting them goals and not taking chances at other end. We started brightly and within three minutes missed two gaping chances.

“There was nothing in the game really, we just never got a break. We could still be playing there just now and we wouldn’t have scored. I’ve told the players repeatedly we need to start converting our chances, we’ve been beating ourselves.”

This Saturday sees Rangers travel to Cardonald for a top-of-the-table clash with St Anthony’s.

The Ants currently top the league table with Kilsyth only three points behind.

Mooney added: “You don’t need to motivate the boys for a game like this. They know what’s there now, if they win then they’re level on points at the top.

“I wouldn’t say that the league challenge is over if we get beaten, but whoever wins will get a lot of confidence from it.

“It’s going to be a good week in training, it’s been great since I arrived. There’s a togetherness about the boys. Any successful team I’ve ever been involved with has had that.”

Meanwhile United face a trip to Western Park to face Renfrew looking to kick-start their season.

Drew added: “They’ve got a good squad, we played against them in my last game at Bellshill. They got beaten five-nil in the Scottish Cup on Saturday so we’ll need to be wary of them being on the front foot with something to prove.

“Our most important thing is to think about ourselves and get our own house in order.

“We need a wee break of luck but that’ll come I’m sure.”