Football: Hateley gives Aberdeen double trouble

Rangers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Aberdeen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0

RANGERS restored power and passion to their game last night and, with two strikes from the lethal boot of Mark Hateley, claimed the leadership of the Premier Division. Aberdeen, meanwhile, again displayed their frailty in Glasgow, a jinx they will have to overcome before they can again collect some silverware.

Gordon Durie, making his home debut, squandered an early golden opportunity, and Aberdeen set about a passing game which saw them make inroads into the Rangers defence.

Rangers were, on several occasions, indebted to Ally Maxwell, their much-criticised goalkeeper, but while he ably demonstrated his skills, the opening goal after 28 minutes resulted from a a goalkeeper error at the other end.

A long ball from Stuart McCall appeared to present a simple catch to Michael Watt, but the Aberdeen custodian misjudged the bounce and succeeded only in diverting the ball into the path of Hateley who tapped in. The striker was presented with a similar opportunity for Rangers' second goal three minutes before half-time. After winning a high ball from Brian Irvine and Watt, Hateley was first up to thrash the ball in.

Rangers were forced to reshuffle their defence when Richard Gough and John Brown were substituted. Despite their losses, the reshaped defence offered few opportunities to the Aberdeen attack.

Rangers (4-4-2): Maxwell; McPherson, Gough (Pressley, h/t), Brown (Durrant, 46), Robertson; Steven, Murray, I Ferguson, McCall; Durie, Hateley. Substitute not used: Scott (gk).

Aberdeen (4-4-2): Watt; Wright, Irvine, McLeish, McKimmie (Richardson 26); Miller (Paatalinen, 70), Kane, Grant, Connor; Jess, Shearer. Substitute not used: Stillie (gk).

Referee: D P McVicar (Carluke).