Aberdeen defeat Rangers for seventh win in a row under Barry Robson

Rejuvenated Aberdeen made it seven straight wins under interim boss Barry Robson with a 2-0 victory over startled Rangers at Pittodrie.

The hosts had the best of a goalless first half and three minutes after the restart, defender Liam Scales beat Allan McGregor with a stunning if perhaps fortuitous effort from wide on the left for his first goal since signing on loan from Celtic last summer.

Bojan Miovski headed in a second in the 56th minute to help Aberdeen to their first home win over Rangers since September 2016.

Robson took over from Jim Goodwin in January and the third-placed Dons continue on an upward trajectory. Michael Beale, meanwhile, must have concerns, with Rangers 13 points behind leaders Celtic with five post-split fixtures remaining. But in reality the title was already gone with Rangers hopes all residing in the Scottish Cup, their last realistic chance of silverware this season.

It was a sobering defeat and Beale must get a lot more from his side in next week’s crunch semi-final against Celtic if they are to have a chance of retaining the trophy.

The afternoon had started with some promise for the Ibrox side. Amid a hurly-burly start the unchanged visitors threatened in the 12th minute when Alfredo Morelos’ shot from eight yards was headed off the line by Leighton Clarkson and John Lundstram fired the loose ball over the bar. Kelle Roos then saved an effort from Fashion Sakala after the attacker escaped the attention of Mattie Pollock.

The pace of the game did not subside and in the 25th minute a sweeping Rangers move ended with left-back Borna Barisic striking the outside of the post with a drive. The visitors began to build up a head of steam and when Sakala’s clever flick put Nicolas Raskin through,