The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)

Sending-off decision was just wrong

- BY DAVID SUTHERLAND

Credit must go to the groundstaf­f at Caledonian Stadium for getting the tie on.

The young Rangers side took an early lead and then missed two golden opportunit­ies. At 3-0 down, Inverness might have struggled.

The home team had plenty of possession but were struggling to create opportunit­ies.

Losing Charlie Trafford to injury was a blow but his replacemen­t James Keatings had a sight of goal just before the break and made no mistake.

The visitors would have been disappoint­ed to concede at that point as they had probably been the better side.

I never felt the visitors were quite as dangerous after the break.

Mark Ridgers had plenty to do but little that really stretched him.

At the other end, there was much controvers­y. Greg Aitken gave Keatings a second yellow for diving. Having now seen a TV replay this wasn’t just harsh, it was totally wrong.

How a referee so close to the play could make such a decision is beyond me.

Another goal was chalked off for offside before Miles Storey poked home the winner.

Inverness will be delighted to have got this game out of the way as they wouldn’t want any more midweek matches. They will now look forward to playing Raith Rovers in the final and fancy their chances of winning the Challenge Cup trophy once again.

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