McGhee's side had to come back from 2-1 down against Raith to avoid a cup upset

Aberdeen boss Mark McGhee was relieved to avoid another cup exit at the hands of First Division side Raith Rovers in the Co-operative Insurance Cup.

"We set ourselves up nicely at half-time to exorcise the demons of before by putting ourselves unnecessarily in that position," said McGhee.

"To come back from 2-1 down in those circumstances shows that we have moved on as last year.

"I thought Raith Rovers were excellent and made life very difficult for us."

The Dons came from 2-1 down to defeat the plucky Fifers 3-2, thanks to Scott Vernon's second half double.

At half-time we told the players in no uncertain terms that we had to be more competitive in the second half and I think we were and eventually got the result we deserved Aberdeen manager Mark McGhee

McGhee admitted he had stern words for his players during the break after a complacent first 45 minutes.

"There was blood on the walls at half time," said the Dons manager.

"We lost two goals that were our own doing. The pressure of Raith Rovers in chasing everything down contributed to that but I think we didn't have to concede either of the goals.

"Jerel Ifil and Jamie Langfield both could have done better.

"At half-time we told the players in no uncertain terms that we had to be more competitive in the second half and I think we were and eventually got the result we deserved."

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