Rangers held by Dons

Rangers spurned the opportunity to go top of the Clydesdale Bank Premier League after fighting out a goalless draw at Aberdeen.

Charlie Mulgrew's well-struck free-kick for the home side was the highlight of a low key first half with Rangers teenager John Fleck squandering a couple of shots at the other end.

Bertrand Bossu replaced the injured Jamie Langfield in the Aberdeen goal seven minutes after the break, while Nacho Novo and Kris Boyd, who both came on as second-half substitutes, had opportunities to win the game but in the end a share of the spoils was probably a fair result.

Rangers youngster Fleck had the game's first chance when he latched on to a Barry Ferguson pass but the teenager's left-footed effort from an acute angle went inches over.

Mulgrew then brought a fine save out of Allan McGregor in the Rangers goal with a curling free-kick from 25 yards after nine minutes as the match started to come to life after a tentative start.

Rangers started the second period brightest with Broadfoot racing on to a beautiful crossfield pass from Pedro Mendes but the full-back's cross was bravely gathered by Langfield at the feet of Kenny Miller.

The goalkeeper sustained a head knock in the process and had to be replaced by Bossu only seven minutes into the second half.

The home support appealed for a penalty after 61 minutes when both Lee Miller and Stuart Duff fell in a packed Rangers box but referee Calum Murray waved play on.

Novo could have grabbed a winner when he chested down Mendes' centre but smashed the ball into the post to the relief of the home support.

Darren Mackie then spurned a great chance to take all three points when his header from a Mulgrew free-kick went agonisingly wide.