Ryan NaderiSNS

Ryan Naderi's late goal saw Rangers progress to the Premier Sports Cup final

At a glance

  • Late Naderi goal proves difference at Hampden

  • McInnes' side extend unbeaten run to 11 games

  • Rangers will play Hearts or Hibs in final on 13 December

Martin Dowden
BBC Sport Scotland at Hampden

Rangers reached the League Cup final after Ryan Naderi's late strike at Hampden finally breached a stubborn Aberdeen.

The win extends the Ibrox side's unbeaten run to 11 games, with either Hibernian or Hearts the obstacle in the final on 13 December as they seek their first silverware under boss Derek McInnes.

For all the positives among Aberdeen's performance, it is a fourth loss in five and a missed opportunity for manager Stephen Robinson to secure a much-needed statement win and enhance his own fine cup record.

Aberdeen last lifted this trophy under McInnes in 2014. Their wait goes on with Rangers within touching distance of capitalising on their impressive recent run of results.

The odds were stacked against the Pittodrie side with many believing this to be a formality, a routine stroll for Rangers. Not so.

Defensively depleted, Aberdeen still looked strong - albeit Ayoub Mouloua was a touch fortunate to escape an early handball.

Rangers had no shots on target until the 43rd minute but then went close three times before the break and swarmed all over their opponents after it, with Badredine Bouanani a constant threat.

Aberdeen held firm impressively until the breakthrough arrived late on with Naderi touching home after good work from Kevin Kelsy and James Penrice.

Rangers analysis: Bouanani & Naderi make mark

Heavy favourites coming into this, Rangers had the opportunity to reach a final and cement recent progress with a shot at silverware.

Despite their long unbeaten run, and Aberdeen's troubles, they struggled to impose themselves where it counted - converting chances. The performance was lacking first half and chances not executed when they came.

That said, they moved through the gears and exerted sustained pressure after the break, with Bouanani a standout, offering genuine and consistent threat.

Naderi, once again, made a telling contribution in a season where he has stood up after initial doubts over his ability to be a regular starter.

McInnes stated this was no formality and it proved the case. Semi-finals often play-out this way with the stakes so high. Job done in the end and it was deserved.

For Rangers, and McInnes, it is another big outcome that adds even more promise to a season that looks very much on the right track.

Graphic

Aberdeen analysis: Game plan effective but Dons come up short

Robinson said pre-match that Aberdeen had nothing to lose given the expectations. Trying to seize something positive from being strong underdogs. The first half was very positive.

The game plan worked and they looked fairly solid at the back. When blocks were required, blocks were produced. That continued after the break when they were under siege at times.

What they lacked was a focal point up front. That ultimately let them down.

Robinson pointed to his managerial cup record, and rightly so, having won this trophy last term with St Mirren. He got a response but it just was not enough to secure what would have been such an important win for him and the club.

Whether that appeases increasing doubters within the Aberdeen fanbase remains to be seen but they can take a degree of positivity for how they performed.

What they said

Rangers manager Derek McInnes: "Our play was too ponderous in the first half, we needed to move quicker across the grass. It's embarrassing that we had 25 shots and only five on target.

"Thankfully Ryan [Naderi] scores a scruffy goal, he anticipates a shot going across the goal and thankfully he managed to get the goal that matters for us.

"I thought we were far more imposing in the second half than in the first. I always felt like a goal was coming but I was more concerned about giving one away at the other end.

"Thankfully one [goal] was enough for us today. It's an important opportunity for us now to go and build a bit of confidence by winning a trophy."

Aberdeen manager Stephen Robinson: "I think we did more than hang in there. We said that's the level of performance, the energy and work ethic to push us forward. It can't just be for a semi-final.

"Unfortunately we've picked up another two defensive injuries. It's a blow, we've not had our troubles to seek in that area.

"We probably won't get positives, we lost the game so that will be the narrative. We have to win on Saturday [home to Hibernian] to give us some breathing space before the international break where we can try and get bodies back."

Player of the match

N. Devlin
6.35
20 R. Naderi
6.30
26 B. Bouanani
6.29
24 O. Makhanya
5.99
1 I. Pandur
5.97
29 J. Penrice
5.83
19 K. Kelsy
5.56
23 D. Gassama
5.32
43 N. Raskin
5.26
10 Kim Min-Su
5.23
6 D. Neil
5.21
37 E. Fernandez
5.19
21 D. Sterling
5.19
25 T. Rommens
5.14
42 T. Chukwuani
5.08
4 B. Godfrey
5.02
52 F. Curtis
5.00
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