Raith Rovers 2-1 Aberdeen: Stephen Glass defends Dons changes after cup exit
- Published
Ethon Varian celebrates in front of the Raith Rovers fans after levelling
Stephen Glass defended making seven changes as Aberdeen were knocked out of the last 16 of the Scottish league Cup by Raith Rovers at Stark's Park.
The Championship side fought back from a goal down to beat the Dons at home for the first time since 1995.
Aberdeen had led through Jay Emmanuel-Thomas's first goal for the club before second-half strikes from Ethon Varian and Dario Zanatta.
"The changes wasn't the factor that decided the game," said Glass.
"It was not putting the game to bed when we were well on top and allowing a game we were in real control of to become the cup tie that Raith wanted it to be.
"The group that were on the pitch in the first half showed they were good enough to win and control the game. The reaction to the adversity that came and the cup tie atmosphere that started happening wasn't good enough.
"You get what you deserve at the end of the day and with the second half performance we got what we deserved."
It is John McGlynn's side's first win in five games as they beat the Premiership side for the first time in 11 years, with a trip to Celtic in the quarter-finals their reward for a resilient display.
The defeat will rattle Aberdeen, though, who now turn to Thursday's crucial Europa League Conference play-off first leg away to Azerbaijan's Qarabag. Late injuries to Jonny Hayes and Ryan Hedges will give manager Stephen Glass additional cause for concern.
Initially, it looked like it would be a stroll for Aberdeen. They dominated possession, passed the ball about with aplomb and took an early lead with a quality finish.
Niall McGinn knocked a Jack Gurr cross into the path of Emmanuel-Thomas, who cracked it into the far corner to open his Dons account.
But despite being on the on the back foot, Raith should twice have put the ball past visiting goalkeeper Joe Lewis.
Ross Matthews took advantage of indecision by Declan Gallagher to slip on to a free ball. Lewis saved his close-range effort and Blaise Riley-Snow failed to finish the follow-up.
Then Zanatta broke through a weak challenge from Ross McCrorie but inexplicably failed to hit the target from close range.
However, the hosts would dominate the second half and within minutes of the break they were level when Varian made a great run to the front post to meet Reghan Tumilty's free-kick and knock the ball in.
And the chances kept coming. Zanatta collected a throw-in, turned the defender and sent a teasing cross that Varian was inches away from heading in.
After Riley-Snow sent an effort over, Aidan Connolly burst through the middle and tested Lewis with a powerful effort.
With 20 minutes to go and with his side toiling, Glass called for the cavalry with Scott Brown, Hedges and Lewis Ferguson all entering the fray.
But within seconds they were behind. Riley-Snow's shot was parried and, as Gurr waited for the ball to come to him, Zanatta pounced and rifled Raith into the lead.
Aberdeen's attempts to level were hampered by being reduced to 10 men when Hayes hobbled off with all five substitutions already made. And they finished it with nine as Hedges went down clutching his leg in added time.
Home goalkeeper MacDonald had little to do as Raith eased past their top-flight opposition to reach the last eight.
Man of the match - Dario Zanatta
Zanatta was terrific all afternoon, and scored a deserved winner for Raith
What did they say?
Raith Rovers manager John McGlynn: "It was a brilliant cup win and I am delighted the fans were here to see it.
"We put a bit of pressure on Aberdeen. I am delighted for the guys today. We showed composure. I'll crack a bottle of champagne, possibly."
Aberdeen manager Stephen Glass: "We allowed Raith to create an atmosphere with the way they started the second half and the response from the group isn't what it should have been, the quality wasn't what it should have been, and we've paid a heavy, heavy price for it.
"It's a massive disappointment we're not in the next round."
What's next?
Aberdeen travel to Azerbaijan to face Qarabag in the play-off round of the Europa Conference League on Thursday (17:00 BST) then are away to Hearts in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday (15:00). Raith Rovers face a Fife derby at home to Dunfermline in the Scottish Championship on Friday (19:45).