Aberdeen lost to Rangers for the second time in five days as the 10-man Gers edged a tense Pittodrie encounter 2-1.
Former Dons captain Ryan Jack was sent off for a crude challenge but Aberdeen were unable to make their extra man count in the final half hour.
Dons manager Derek McInnes made three changes to his side following their 3-0 defeat at Ibrox with Kari Arnason dropping to the bench while Greg Tansey missed out due to a groin injury and Ryan Christie was suspended following his dismissal in Glasgow.
Their replacements were Greg Stewart, Adam Rooney and Scott Wright.
Rangers interim manager Graeme Murty made one change to his side with David Bates replacing the injured Bruno Alves in central defence.
A scrappy start to the game meant challenges rather than chances were the entertainment but it was the visitors who broke the deadlock in the 14th minute when Declan John’s free kick into the box found Danny Wilson unmarked and he rose to beat Joe Lewis in the Aberdeen goal with a looping header.
Lewis made a fine save to deny Windass as Rangers pushed for a second but the Dons almost equalised just before half-time through Andy Considine but the defender’s header from a Stewart came back off the crossbar.
The visitors were reduced to 10-men before the hour mark when former Aberdeen captain Ryan Jack earned his fourth red card of the season for a crude ankle high challenge on May.
Aberdeen hoped to make their extra man count but they found themselves 2-0 down when Daniel Candeias crossed for Windass and he guided the ball past Lewis from six yards.
Dons substitute Frank Ross gave his side hope when beat Wes Foderingham with a stunning 25 yard curling free kick with 25 minutes remaining but Rangers held on for the victory which takes them above the Dons into second place on goal difference.
