Rangers 1 Aberdeen 1

Last updated : 15 April 2006 By Footymad Previewer

Aberdeen dealt a mortal blow to Rangers hopes of second spot, but at the same time kept their own hopes of a European place alive.

Kris Boyd's strike put the home side ahead shortly after the break, but a deflected shot by Scott Severin deservedly gave the visitors a share of the points.

This draw means that Rangers have failed to beat Aberdeen in four attempts this season.

The Dons started brightly and Alexander Diamond's header from Jamie Smith's corner nearly wrong-footed the Rangers' keeper, but he recovered to save.

Jamie Langfield did well to hold a powerful Boyd shot before Aberdeen threatened again, this time when Gary Dempsey volleyed narrowly wide.

The Aberdeen keeper produced a marvelous save to block Boyd's header, and the visitors then survived a strong penalty claim from the same player.

From Chris Burke's free-kick Sotirios Kyrgiakos headed powerfully, but Langfield managed to touch his effort over.

Aberdeen went close to opening the scoring after the break, but Dempsey's tremendous shot came back off the bar.

It was even more cruel for the visitors moments later when Rangers took the lead. Dado Prso headed down to Boyd, who swivelled before shooting low past Langfield.

Rangers pressed for a second, but Boyd missed a glorious chance from close range after Prso's headed had left him clear.

The home team regretted this miss even more when Aberdeen equallised. Alan Hutton carelessly gave away possession which led to a free-kick. Smith took it quickly and Severin hit a shot which took a deflection off Julien Rodriguez before ending in the net..