LADBROKES PREMIERSHIP IT’S ROSS TO THE RESCUE

Mccrorie nods equaliser but Dons stay second

ROSS MCCRORIE sent the race for second place in the Scottish Premiership down to the wire as his equaliser gave Rangers a draw at Aberdeen.

The Pittodrie hosts looked on course for the win that would have killed off the Ibrox side’s hopes of finishing ‘best of the rest’ after Kenny Mclean’s controversial penalty put the Dons ahead early.

But Mccrorie ensured a threeteam fight for the runners-up slot will go to the last day of the season with his second half leveller.

The Gers remain a point behind Aberdeen but Hibernian can draw level with the Light Blues if they beat Hearts tonight, meaning it will be all to play for when the Reds go to Celtic Park and the Ibrox side to Easter Road on Sunday’s final day of the season.

The Dons took the lead after 14 minutes – and they had referee Steven Mclean to thank.

Alfredo Morelos clearly got a touch to the ball as he tried to nick in before Mclean collected Ryan Christie’s low corner.

But the official got his decision all wrong as his namesake hit the deck.

The Aberdeen man did not care as he dusted himself down before sending Jak Alnwick the wrong way with his penalty.

He almost had a second on 27 minutes as his fiercely hit strike rattled the bar from 30 yards out. The Light Blues looked subdued during the first period but had a chance on 57 minutes when Morelos’ back post header fell tamely into Joe Lewis’ grasp.

Jimmy Nicholl’s side only had to wait another six minutes for the equaliser though.

A shot from Morelos at the edge of the box was blocked by Scott Mckenna but as the ball looped into the air the Aberdeen defence was slow to react.

Mccrorie refused to stand on ceremony and rose unchallenged to nod into the corner of the net.