Scales on target as Aberdeen dispatch Rangers

Rejuvenated Aberdeen made it seven straight wins under interim boss Barry Robson with a 2-0 victory over startled Rangers at Pittodrie. The Light Blues had the best of a goalless first half but three minutes after the restart former Shamrock Rovers defender Liam Scales beat Gers keeper 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.

Striker Bojan Miovski headed in a second in the 56th minute to help the Granite City side 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 while Gers boss Michael Beale must have concerns.

Rangers are 13 points behind cinch Premiership leaders Celtic with five post-split fixtures remaining but in reality the title was already gone for the Govan side and all the pressure has moved on to the Scottish Cup, the Gers' last realistic chance of silverware this season. It was a sobering defeat and before next week's crunch Scottish Cup semi-final against Celtic at Hampden Beale must get so much more from his side if they are to have a chance of retaining the trophy.