By James Kinnaird
Aberdeen and Jimmy Thelin extended their unbeaten run in the Scottish Premiership with a monumental victory over Rangers at a sold out Pittodrie stadium.
The Dons came into this midweek clash in incredible form, unbeaten in the league and a League Cup semi-final to look forward to. Whereas the Gers were coming of their second defeat of the year in a bitter 1-0 loss at Kilmarnock, with the pressure piled on manager Philipe Clement, it was set to be a raucous affair at a packed out Pittodrie.
Aberdeen started the game in true Jimmy Thelin style, a high press looking to force Rangers into an early mistake. Several chances came and went for the home side but thirty minutes in, and Aberdeen still had nothing to show for their relentless efforts.
That was until a Jack Mackenzie cross was flicked on by Toppi Keskinen and slammed home at the back post by Nicky Devlin. As the Scotland right back wheeled away in celebration Pittodrie came to life, as ‘Stand Free’ rung around the ground.
Following the goal Aberdeen really hit their stride and Rangers began to crumble. With Pittodrie in full voice the Dons had several more chances to extend their lead, as captain Graeme Shinnie rattled the woodwork. With half time approaching things went from bad to worse for the away side, as John Souttar’s handball in the area gave Aberdeen a penalty, and a chance to put Rangers to the sword.
Up stepped Jamie McGrath, a standout performer for Aberdeen all year, but it was not to be, as McGrath struck a lacklustre penalty which was comfortably saved by Jack Butland.
The missed penalty allowed Rangers the chance to regain a foothold in the game, and they did exactly that. Finding space down the left-hand side of the park, Ross McCausland fired home on the stroke of half-time, but Aberdeen were saved by the linesman’s flag.
Rangers began the second half just as they finished the first, pressing higher up the pitch and troubling the Aberdeen defence.
With just over thirty minutes played in the second half, Rangers found the goal they had been after. Brilliant footwork from Bajrami on the edge of the Aberdeen box gave him the space to lash one past Dimitar Mitov and draw the Gers level.
With a goal rescued and the away support rejuvenated, Rangers went on the charge, taking advantage of some tired legs in the Aberdeen side they forced some big saves from Mitov and the Aberdeen defenders.
Yet, with fifteen minutes left on the clock, Aberdeen found a break and surged up the pitch, Nicky Devlin’s shot found both posts before Shayden Morris piled it home at the back post. Pittodrie Erupted.
A nerve-wracking period then ensued for the Dons as Rangers piled on the pressure, but it would not be enough as John Beaton blew for full time and Pittodrie blew one big sigh of relief.
Another monumental win for Aberdeen leaves them nine points clear of Rangers at the top of league heading into November and showing no signs of slowing down.
