Ryan Naderi's late winner secured Rangers a place in the Premier Sports Cup final after a 1-0 victory over Aberdeen at Hampden. The goal came with six minutes remaining, ensuring the Ibrox side avoided a Halloween upset against Stephen Robinson's resilient team.
Naderi strikes late to break Aberdeen resistance
Rangers, who had knocked out Celtic in the quarter-finals, struggled to break down Aberdeen for most of the match. Badredine Bouanani was the most lively attacking threat for the Light Blues, forcing two big saves from the Aberdeen goalkeeper and delivering dangerous balls into the box.
The breakthrough finally arrived when Naderi poked home from James Penrice's shot-cum-cross, sending Rangers through to the final of the season's first trophy.
Player ratings: Bouanani shines, Naderi delivers
Bouanani was Rangers' most dangerous weapon, recalled after being dropped to the bench in midweek. He danced in off the right and created several near misses. Naderi, despite a quiet game, was in the right place to score the winner, having earlier glanced a header onto the roof of the net.
Defender Manny Fernandez justified his place with a strong display against Aberdeen's Nisbet, while Tuur Rommens looked solid on his first start since tearing his groin in August. Ivor Pandur made a key save to bail out Dujon Sterling, who was booked for tripping Guinness-Walker.
Substitutes help Rangers see out the win
Dan Neil came on for Rommens just after the hour mark and provided much-needed control in midfield. Djedi Gassama threatened with his dribbling after replacing Minsu Kim, while Findlay Curtis, Tochui Chukwuani, and Ben Godfrey were introduced in the closing stages as Rangers held on for the win.
Rangers now await the second semi-final to learn their opponents in the Premier Sports Cup final.
