They had most of what was an unusually calm affair and undoubtedly the better chances but could not convert any of them and so a point was all that was achieved.
In the grand scheme of things it might prove to be a decent result, but Rangers really wanted the win to maintain their momentum.
Walter Smith’s decision to stick with John Fleck was entirely justified as the 17-year-old again indicated he has the temperament for full-blooded SPL action.
And the option of leaving Kris Boyd on the bench until the second half was vindicated too.
There is little doubt that Fleck gave another clear indication that he has what it takes to be a major part of this Rangers team for years to come, even if he tired in the second half
He had two decent shots at goal in the early stages and was not afraid to run at the Aberdeen defence.
His excellent free kick in 35 minutes dropped for Madjid Bougherra and the Algerian’s shot was deflected for a corner.
Then in first half injury time Fleck found Bougherra again with a corner but the big defender headed over the bar.
It was a frustrating first half for Rangers because they had large sections of the play but could not find a way through.
Lee McCulloch, back in the side for a specific midfield role, tested Jamie Langfield with a long range shot in 28 minutes which the Dons keeper spilled.
Kenny Miller tried to get onto the rebound but was flagged offside.
Miller had been given a lone striking role and chances were few and far between but he did have an opportunity in 33 minutes after excellent work between Steve Davis and Broadfoot.
The latter supplied an excellent cross and Miller falling backwards just could not get over his header and the ball flew over the top.
Aberdeen had started well and Charlie Mulgrew forced a good save out of Allan McGregor after just eight minutes.
Davie Weir was surprisingly slack coming out of defence and Sone Aluko was suddenly advancing on goal, forcing McCulloch to take him down.
Mulgrew hit the free kick round the wall but McGregor made a terrific save diving to his right.
However, as the game progressed Ferguson began to have more of an influence as Rangers found good rhythm.
The tactic of adding McCulloch to the midfield seemed to give Ferguson more freedom to dictate.
There was a similar pattern in the early moments of the second half. Indeed Pedro Mendes nearly provided the spark when he burst from the halfway line and tried to play in Ferguson but Zander Diamond made a vital interception.
That was in 48 minutes and a minute later Miller was given a near post chance when Broadfoot got to the byline and drove the ball across but Langfield made a brave save.
Unfortunately for the Dons keeper took a heavy kick on the head from Miller and could not continue and was replaced by giant Frenchman Bertrand Bossu.
Rangers were unable to test out the substitute keeper as the game became very stop-start largely due to the poor playing surface which was not conducive to a silky passing game.
Rangers made a switch in 66 minutes when Miller was withdrawn and Kris Boyd was sent on with the specific task of winning the game.
Ferguson nearly played him in on 70 minutes after a great pass from Bougherra but he just could not get a touch.
Then in 77 minutes the two linked again, this time Boyd knocking the ball down for Ferguson but he rather tamely shot wide from the edge of the box with his left foot.
By this time Nacho Novo had replaced Fleck as Rangers tried to find the opening they so desperately wanted.
Rangers threw everything at Aberdeen in the closing stages as they tried to secure the win they craved.
Novo had a really good chance at the back post which he might have done better with.
Then Boyd was given the chance by a great Papac cross but his header hit Severin and took the sting out of it.
Even Bougherra got forward in added time and tried a shot but he fired it over the bar.
But it finished goal-less to the frustration of the Light Blues.