Ryan Naderi got the all important breakthrough but it was another man who really stole the show at Hampden

Ryan Naderi's late winner ensured Rangers sidestepped a Halloween horror show against Aberdeen at Hampden to clinch their spot in the Premier Sports Cup final.

Having knocked out Celtic in the last eight, the Ibrox men were determined to make the most of their opportunity to go on and claim the first trophy of the season.

But that looked far from certain as they struggled to break down Stephen Robinson’s resilient Reds.

Badredine Bouanani was the liveliest figure on a frustrating evening for the Light Blues packed full of near misses.

Here Record Sport takes a look at how both teams performed man by man.

Rangers player ratings

IVOR PANDUR: Bailed out Sterling after his right-back let Guinness-Walker burst into the box and shoot. Didn’t have too much else to do with his gloves as Aberdeen offered only sporadic moments of threat. 7

DUJON STERLING: Never really looked comfortable being asked to build the play down the right. Hesitation almost proved costly as he was left trailing having been robbed by Guinness-Walker. Booked for tripping the same Aberdeen ace soon after. 6

MANNY FERNANDEZ: Kept his place despite fan criticism after difficult night against Hearts but justified it with a strong display up against Nesbit. Won his headers and kept his concentration levels switched on. Could have done with moving the ball at bit quicker at times. 7

OLWETHU MAKHANYA: Smooth South African got a cheer from the Rangers end as he gave Nisbet the slip with a cool drop of the shoulder. But he left the Aberdeen punters gasping when he diverted the ball behind after throwing himself in front of a Nesbit shot. 7

TUUR ROMMENS: Looked strong on his first start since tearing his groin at the start of August. Defended with aggression and covered the distance when asked to get forward. Only thing needing sharpening up was his final ball. Replaced just after the hour as signs of tiredness set in. 7

BADREDINE BOUANANI: Recalled after dropping to the bench in midweek and justified his inclusion as he emerged as Rangers’ most dangerous weapon. Delivered some threatening balls into the box off his left foot and forced Muller into two big saves as he danced in off the right. Could have done with Sterling offering an overlap option to free up some space inside. 8

NICO RASKIN: Gers skipper for the evening was guilty of trying to force his passes in the opening stages. Clipped a beauty of a cross in for Naderi that the striker really should have nodded home. Close to scoring himself with a well-struck shot. 6

JAMES PENRICE: Surprisingly shifted into midfield at the expense of Dan Neil. Not much of a presence on the ball as Gers repeatedly went direct up to their strikers but came up with the all important shot-cum-cross for Naderi’s winner after being moved to left-back late on. Escaped a booking after catching with clumsy high tackle on Aremu. 6

MINSU KIM: Back onto his favoured left hand-side but well off his previous high standards. Not far off with an attempt as he drove inside half an hour in but sliced horribly wide just before the break. Got an ear-bashing from Sterling after he failed to track Guinness-Walker. 5

RYAN NADERI: Not much had come off for the big Czech striker before he finally popped up in the right place to score Rangers’ winner with six minutes remaining. Glanced a big headed chance onto the roof of the net and was a fraction away for turning home Bouanani’s fizzed ball across goal - but right where McInnes’ needed him to be to poke home from Penrice’s attempt. 7

KEVIN KELSY: Rangers punters in the Mount Florida end thought he’d scored the opener only for his header to slip wide. Did his best to link up with his attackers but seemed to be operating on a different wavelength to his partner Naderi. 6

Subs

DAN NEIL: On for Rommens just after the hour mark and finally provided Gers with the control they were badly needing lacking. 5

DJEIDI GASSAMA: Took over from Kim and repeatedly threatened Aberdeen with his dribbling skills. 3

FINDLAY CURTIS: Injury time replacement as McInnes looked to hold on for the win. 2

TOCHUI CHUKWUANI: Fresh legs for the final stages. 2

BEN GODFREY: Held form as Aberdeen launched a forlorn rescue bid in injury time. 2