Source: PA
Vernon brace rescues Dons
Aberdeen avoided another embarrassing cup exit after coming from behind to beat Raith 3-2 in a pulsating Co-operative Insurance Cup tie.
Paul Hartley scored his fifth penalty of the season to give the hosts the lead after 10 minutes. The Dons skipper coolly converted from 12 yards after Willie Dyer had crudely ended Rory McArdle's surging run into the box.
Raith were gifted an equaliser after 24 minutes when Jamie Langfield, who had endured a nervy start to the match, made a mess of collecting a Stephen Simmons free-kick and the grateful Jamie Mole calmly slotted the loose ball past the stranded goalkeeper.
Gregory Tade, who scored the winner when the sides met back in February, then gave his side the lead when he tapped home after Mole capitalised on a Jerel Ifil error.
Raith should have extended their lead four minutes after the restart but the unmarked Laurie Ellis could only head Allan Walker's driven corner over the crossbar and they were made to rue that miss when the Dons drew level after 56 minutes when Scott Vernon headed home a Hartley free-kick.
The hosts suffered a blow with 15 minutes remaining when Hartley limped off with a hamstring injury and was replaced by Ryan Jack. Despite the loss, Aberdeen regained the lead after 77 minutes when Derek Young exploded down the wing and played the perfect ball across goal to give Vernon the easiest of finishes to the delight of the home support.
