ANDREW McNEIL: Good early save from McLean as Aberdeen piled on the pressure, but little else to do until picking the ball out of the net. Could do nothing at either goal and was particularly unlucky at second as his save from McGinn fell kindly for McLean. 7

MICHAEL DOYLE: Was being dragged in centrally early on which left space for Aberdeen to exploit, but made some timely interceptions as the game wore on and fought his corner really well. Tried to get forward in the second half when he could. 6

THOMAS O’WARE: Defended his area valiantly in the face of an aerial bombardment from Aberdeen and produced a real captain’s performance. Organised those round about him and led by example. Tried everything he could to drag his side into the final, but just fell short. 7

GAVIN GUNNING: Stood tall next to O’Ware and was good on the ball, with one first-half pick out to McDonagh particularly outstanding. Caught under the ball as Rooney peeled off to open the scoring, but generally a really sound showing. 7

MARK RUSSELL: A little hesitant in the first half and caught in possession in a dangerous area by Adam Rooney that luckily came to nothing. Grew into the game and was causing all sorts of problems going forward in the second half. 7

JAMIE MCDONAGH: Composed on the ball on the right of midfield, although might have made more of some promising positions that he got into. Ran out of steam towards the end and was replaced by Tiffoney with 15 minutes left. 6

JAMIE LINDSAY: Started well and tried to get his foot on the ball when he could, but main job was trying to keep James Maddison quiet. Booked for persistent fouling in the second half, an indicator of his approach. Replaced by Kilday late on. 6

ANDREW MURDOCH: Battled well in the midfield and slipped Quitongo in on goal in first half. Played a rather unsung but nevertheless vitally important role in making sure that Aberdeen didn’t get on top in the middle of the park. 6

KUDUS OYENUGA: Deployed on the left of midfield and looked like a fish out of water at times. No faulting his effort, but use of the ball was poor and replaced by Nesbitt with 20 minutes to go. 5

GARY OLIVER: Tried to link with Quitongo when he could and full of running, supporting the attack well and causing problems with his clever movement. Would have liked to have provided more of a goal threat himself, but wasn’t for the lack of trying. 6

JAI QUITONGO: Desperate to make an impression, resulting in him trying a little too hard early on, falling over the ball on one occasion. Missed a glorious chance when through on Lewis, shooting too close to the keeper, but was a real threat in the second half. 7

Substitutes

AIDAN NESBITT: On-loan Celtic kid was thrown on for Oyenuga with 20 minutes to go to try and salvage the game, but was marshalled well by Logan. 4

SCOTT TIFFONEY: On for Jamie McDonagh on the right with 15 minutes left and looked lively, but ultimately unable to alter the outcome. 4

LEE KILDAY: On after Aberdeen’s second for Lindsay and slotted in at centre-half to allow O’Ware to move into midfield, but game was already over as a contest. 3