Rangers capitalised on the Steven Gerrard feel-good factor as they struck late to grab a crucial 1-0 win over Kilmarnock in the Ladbrokes Premiership.The former Liverpool and England skipper was confirmed as the new Gers boss on Friday after signing a four-year deal.He was not there, however, to see Steve Clarke’s men frustrate the Ibrox faithful for long periods.But the Gers support – so despondent after last week’s 5-0 Old Firm hammering – were cheering again as David Bates grabbed the late winner as they closed to within a point of second-placed rivals Aberdeen.It was a harsh blow on Killie, who had worked so hard to frustrate the hosts. Their first loss to Rangers this season denied them draw which would have sealed fifth place.Gerrard was unveiled, to the delight of 7,000 fans who flooded into Ibrox to welcome the former Liverpool skipper’s arrival.But with the 37-year-old not due to start work until June 1, it has been left to Jimmy Nicholl and Jonatan Johansson to see the side through to the end of what has been yet another tumultuous campaign.Fan group Union Bears launched a silent protest during the last home game against Hearts following their side’s abject display against Celtic at Hampden.But the Gerrard news ensured last week’s latest Hoops humiliation was put to the back of their minds as the atmosphere crackled.Jamie Murphy came close to ratcheting up the noise levels as he was left unmarked in the hole just outside Killie’s box 11 minutes in but the winger shot just wide of the target.Aaron Tshibola was given the chance to take heap fresh doubt into the mind of the hosts as Kris Boyd’s flick-on from a long Stephen O’Donnell throw dropped for him outside the box but the on-loan Aston Villa youngster skied his effort.There was another warning as Eamonn Brophy flashed a ball across goal, a fraction ahead of the on-rushing Boyd.It took the quick reactions of Jak Alnwick to keep Killie out just before the half-hour mark as Boyd hit a powerful free-kick. The keeper did well just to palm the ball out but was up smartly to foil Kirk Broadfoot on the rebound.Gers did finish the half on the charge and only the woodwork denied them the interval lead as Murphy got his head to Andy Halliday’s whipped delivery from the left but saw his effort come back off the crossbar.Nicholl switched Jason Cummings for Ross McCrorie at the change of ends and nearly got an instant reward as the teenager almost found the top corner within seconds of play resuming, before pushing another effort just wide soon after.It looked like the hosts would have to settle for a point but with just five minutes remaining man-of-the-match Bates – making his return after six weeks out injured – bundled home Sean Goss’ deep cross to seal victory.The visitors could have snatched something at the end but Greg Kiltie’s header flew just over.
The champagne remains on ice – for another week at least – as Aberdeen dug deep to take all three points at Kilmarnock and maintain their push for a European place.
Two first-half strikes from Lee Erwin and Stephen O’Donnell were enough for Kilmarnock as they kept up their remarkable home record with a comfortable 2-0 Ladbrokes Premiership victory over Hamiton.
Aberdeen goalkeeper Freddie Woodman has his sights set on giving his Aberdeen team-mates a Scottish Cup final to look forward to after helping his side beat Kilmarnock on penalties in Tuesday’s quarter-final replay.
Aberdeen goalkeeper Freddie Woodman saved three penalties in the sudden death shootout to send his side through to the Scottish Cup semi-final against Kilmarnock.
Stuart Kettlewell and Steven Ferguson were unable to get off to a winning start at Ross County as they went down 3-2 against Kilmarnock in their first game in charge.
Aberdeen captain Graeme Shinnie describes his last meeting against Kilmarnock as one of the toughest days of his career – but a defeat in this afternoon’s Scottish Cup quarter-final would be even worse.
Aberdeen will prepare for Saturday’s Scottish Cup tie with Kilmarnock going ahead as the ‘Beast from the East’ storm blanketed the majority of Scotland under snow.
Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes is disappointed the Dons’ Scottish Cup quarter-final has been scheduled for a Saturday
– as it favours opponents Kilmarnock.
Steve Clarke has called for a decent kick-off time to allow as many Kilmarnock fans as possible to travel to Aberdeen for their Scottish Cup quarter-final encounter next month.
Brora Rangers manager Ross Tokely insists the Cattachs will cherish the memories of their excellent Scottish Cup run following their 4-0 fifth round defeat at Kilmarnock on Saturday.
Brora Rangers facing Kilmarnock in the Scottish Cup fifth round has had the same galvanising impact on the Sutherland village as two Highland League titles.
Brora Rangers' Scottish Cup trip to Kilmarnock tomorrow will bring Cattachs striker Kyle MacLeod the opportunity to come up against his role model in defender Scott Boyd.
Ross County were sent tumbling out of the Scottish Cup at the first hurdle in the cruellest of fashion at Kilmarnock – leaving them to focus solely on the overriding priority of safeguarding their top flight status.
Colin Williamson was the Brora Rangers hero at New Bayview as the Highlanders bagged another League 1 scalp to reach the last 16 of the William Hill Scottish Cup and a plum tie at Premiership Kilmarnock.
Craig Curran is one of just four players who remain from Ross County’s greatest of escapes - but is confident the Staggies still have plenty time to avoid another dogfight.
Ross County manager Owen Coyle's attacking reshuffle is gathering pace after he added Woking forward Inih Effiong - and he could make a shock move to sign Liverpool striker David N'Gog.
Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes has urged his players to put next week’s double-header against rivals Rangers to the back of their minds as they bid to bounce back against Kilmarnock.
