Thelo Aasgaard and James Tavernier secure Rangers another win over Aberdeen

Rangers carved out their second win over managerless Aberdeen this week with a 2-0 victory in atrocious conditions at Pittodrie.

The Gers, who overcame interim boss Peter Leven’s side by the same scoreline at Ibrox on Tuesday night, took the lead in the Granite City when returning midfielder Thelo Aasgaard volleyed in midway through the first half played in swirling wind and rain.

Defender Emmanuel Fernandez headed into the Dons net in the 28th minute only for the goal to be controversially chalked off for an infringement on goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov, but the second goal did arrive in the 74th minute from a James Tavernier penalty.

Light Blues boss Danny Rohl extended his William Hill Premiership record to 11 wins, two draws and a defeat since taking over from Russell Martin in October as his team ended the day in second place, three points behind Hearts having played a game more.

The driving wind and rain made passing difficult but in the ninth minute Rangers midfielder Mohamed Diomande’s 25-yard drive following a swift counter-attack was tipped over the bar by Mitov, with Fernandez heading the corner wide.

In the 17th minute, at the other end, Rangers keeper Jack Butland dived down to his left to block a powerful drive from Leighton Clarkson, defender Jayden Meghoma clearing for a corner.

It was from a set-piece that Rangers took the lead. Tavernier and Meghoma worked a short corner on the right, with the latter’s low cross into the box almost casually converted from eight yards by Aasgaard for his third goal in five games.

Five minutes later, Fernandez outjumped Mitov to head in Tavernier’s long free-kick but, after consulting his pitchside monitor at the behest of VAR John Beaton, referee David Dickinson disallowed the goal for an arm on the Bulgarian keeper, who was perhaps fortunate to get away with his misjudgment.

Rangers were in control, though, and Mitov was called on before the break to push a Tavernier effort from distance over the bar.

Conditions deteriorated for the start of the second half, with Light Blues midfielder Nico Raskin missing a great chance when he headed Tavernier’s free-kick wide.

Frustrated Dons fans began to turn on their own players, who responded by increasing the tempo and forcing the Govan side back.

However, in the 66th minute the visitors had the chance to double their lead when Raskin played in Youssef Chermiti but his low drive from 12 yards was blocked by the foot of Mitov, who rescued the hosts again moments later, this time from a Mikey Moore strike after the Tottenham loanee had penetrated the Aberdeen penalty area with ease.

However, when Dons skipper Graeme Shinnie upended Rangers winger Djeidi Gassama in the Aberdeen box, referee Dickinson immediately pointed to the spot and Tavernier fired low past Mitov.

Former Aberdeen striker Bojan Miovski, booed by the home fans when he warmed up and when he jogged down the sidelines in the second half, was again jeered as he replaced Chermiti in the 89th minute, but the visitors safely saw out the game and bagged the points.