Aberdeen and United did the title race proud.

Byline: Alan Rough 

IF Thursday SPL "deciders" proved one thing then it was that the conspiracy theories which were flying around were a load of nonsense.

All credit to Aberdeen and Dundee United for proving there was no way they were going to "lie down" to the Old Firm.

Aberdeen of course ended up beating Rangers and Dundee United gave Celtic a few frights before the balance starting going their way.

To give full credit to Jimmy Calderwood's side, everyone knows how difficult Rangers are to break down but they still did it twice.

Walter Smith's men fell short in the end but you have to give them credit for reducing last season's yawning gap at the top to just three points.

And if they lift the cup today, as I'm convinced they will, then they end up with a double and that's not bad in anyone's book.

Both sides of the Old Firm should be proud of what they achieved this season.

Celtic were at a huge advantage going into the final day because they knew they just had to win to clinch the title - talk about Rangers scoring five goals was nonsense given their recent scoring record.

Both sides will go into the transfer market and are geared for more success in the new season although it will be interesting to see how Hearts come back if Mark McGhee takes the Tynecastle job.

"All credit to Aberdeen and Dundee United for proving there was no way they were going to lie down"

CAPTION(S):

WIN Jimmy Calderwood