The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Aberdeen rub salt into Rangers’ wounds
Derek McInnes’ Aberdeen rubbed salt into Rangers’ wounds as a 2-1 win saw them triumph at Ibrox for the first time in quarter of a century.
A day after the Dons boss told Gers they should be “embarrassed” at only finishing third, his side gave another stark illustration of the improvements the Light Blues have yet to make.
The Pittodrie side were sharper all over the pitch and claimed their first victory in Govan since September 1991 with goals from Graeme Shinnie and Ryan Christie.
Martyn Waghorn pulled a goal back for Gers but there was no sign of the Reds decline predicted by Ibrox manager Pedro Caixinha earlier this week, even when they had substitute Jayden Stockley sent-off late on.
While the Dons were at full strength bar injured skipper Ryan Jack – again linked with a move to Ibrox this week – and suspended winger Jonny Hayes, fitness issues forced Caixinha to turn to the Gers youth ranks once more.
The Ibrox boss handed 18-year-old defender Aidan Wilson his first team debut as injury denied Clint Hill his Ibrox farewell.
The combined age of his centreback partnership with the equally fresh-faced David Bates was 38 – the same as the grizzled veteran Wilson was replacing.
Aberdeen were keen to get at the young pair and it took just nine minutes for them to draw first blood.
Their high press forced Jon Toral to pass back to keeper Wes Foderingham but his mishit clearance put James Tavernier in trouble on the touchline.
Shinnie latched on to the loose ball, burst into the box and slotted home.
The hosts eventually found something of a rhythm and should have levelled when Kenny Miller’s tenacity opened up the Pittodrie side, but Joe Garner was off target.
However, the Light Blues always looked nervy with their inexperienced duo at the back.
Wilson found himself exposed when Andy Considine headed down for Ash Taylor but Foderingham dug him out with a block.
His diving stop to keep out Niall McGinn’s free-kick late in the half was just as important.
Bates had his keeper to thank 90 seconds into the second period when he was robbed by McLean, with Foderingham stopping McGinn and getting up to deny Adam Rooney.
But there was nothing the Englishman could do as Christie added a second on 52 minutes.
McGinn skipped past Tavernier out wide before hanging a cross up to the back post, where Rooney nodded back across for the on-loan Celtic playmaker to finish off with his head.
Gers substitute Waghorn was prevented from notching a quick-fire response by Considine’s block.
But he did raise the noise levels on 61 minutes as he raced on to Josh Windass’ through pass before lifting the ball over Lewis into the net.
McInnes and Caixinha were then seen exchanging verbals as Rangers claimed in vain for a penalty when Barrie McKay tumbled at Shay Logan’s feet.
The Dons had to play out the final 90 seconds a man light after Stockley picked up two quick bookings after barging into with Bates and Myles Beerman.
Rangers: Foderingham, Tavernier, Bates, Aiden Wilson, Hodson (Beerman 18), Miller, Toral (Barjonas 58), Windass, Dodoo (Waghorn 46), Garner, McKay. Unused subs: Atakayi, Alnwick, Halliday, Holt.
Aberdeen: Lewis, Taylor, Reynolds, O’Connor, Logan, Considine, Shinnie, McLean, McGinn, Christie, Rooney (Stockley 68). Unused subs: Sebastian Ross, Campbell, Alexander, Wright, Frank Ross, Storey. Attendance: 48,289. Referee: John Beaton.