Rangers 2-1 Aberdeen: Kenny Miller sets up win as Gers go second

Rangers clinched the points from a tight game at Ibrox as they defeated Aberdeen 2-1 with goals from Kenny Miller and Lee Hodson.

The win saw Mark Warburton's side climb into second place in the Scottish Premiership table and cut Celtic's lead back to eight points.

The first clear chance of the match fell Rangers' way after 24 minutes, as left-back Lee Wallace dragged his shot wide.

Wallace had initially fed striker Joe Garner, who sent the ball out wide to Barrie McKay before the 21-year-old spun a pass into the path of Wallace, but the chance was wasted.

After an even and end-to-end first half, the sides went into the break scoreless.

Aberdeen started the second half the brighter and should have taken the lead through Jayden Stockley just three minutes into the half, but the forward wasted the opportunity of a free header, sending Jonny Hayes' delivery from the wing wide.

The Dons were made to pay for that miss just five minutes later when veteran Gers striker Kenny Miller put the home side in front.

Garner's delivery from the right was swung across the box and 36-year-old Miller arrived at the back post to smash the ball in left-footed from close range.

The next goal was always going to be crucial and it went Rangers' way with McKay picking out the unmarked Hodson in the box with a superb pass.

The right-back steadied himself and smashed the ball into the roof of the net past a helpless Joe Lewis with 20 minutes to go in what was his first goal for the club.

Aberdeen failed to properly trouble Wes Foderingham in the home goal throughout the majority of a disappointing second period.

Despite securing the win, Rangers finished the game on a disappointing note as centre-back Clint Hill was sent off for a second bookable offence for a needless foul on James Maddison near the halfway line.

The match then descended into farce as Aberdeen's Ryan Jack was sent off for a second booking in the fifth minute of stoppage time following a fracas in the box.