Stylish victory helps heal wounded Dons

ABERDEEN: Fir Park thumping has lifted spirits, claims boss McInnes

Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes hopes Saturday’s win at Motherwell can begin to heal the wounds of the Dons support.

The Dons suffered a humiliating 5-0 defeat in their previous away trip to Rangers but bounced back in impressive fashion with a stylish performance in the 3-0 win at Fir Park.

The Aberdeen manager was pleased to see his side get back to winning ways following their Ibrox mauling on their last away trip.

He said: “We have got some making up to do after our last away performance. This still doesn’t make up for it but hopefully our fans enjoyed watching their team. We have been battered from pillar to post and it’s not easy at the moment but I’m sure we will do well.

“We’re only eight games into a season and I’ve seen it before. The league doesn’t settle down until the turn of the year.

“I’ve been a manager for 12 years. Some weeks it is easy and you pick the same team. Other times it is challenging.

“Our response against Hibs with 10 men and then this performance augurs well for us and I’m confident we’ll have a good season.”

Aberdeen’s dismantling of the Steelmen was built on a rock solid central midfield partnership of Zak Vyner and Greg Leigh.

The on-loan full backs combined in impressive fashion at Fir Park with Leigh setting up Sam Cosgrove for his opener before Vyner scored a terrific third goal.

The Dons boss was pleased to see both players rewarded for their efforts in roles they are unaccustomed to.

He said: “We didn’t have our problems to seek going into the game but we knew we still had enough good players to go to Motherwell and get a result. We were solid, robust and calm in possession.

“Zak popped up with a goal which was a bit unexpected. We wanted him to do a specific role and he did it brilliantly. To be fair to him he has the athleticism to get up and down the pitch and he was smashing them in all week in training.

“I do feel it can be a position for him going forward. The power of Vyner and Leigh and the running power of Jon Gallagher were the heart of our performance. They were outstanding.”

Stephen Gleeson also came off the bench to make his first appearance of the campaign following a knee injury in preseason while Craig Bryson was an unused substitute.

McInnes hopes both can enjoy a full week’s training to put them in contention for Sunday’s visit of Celtic to Pittodrie.

He said: “We resisted the chance to put Bryson on. Gleeson has been through a tough time so to get on was recognition of the work he has done.

“We’re probably rushing him back due to the situation we’re in. It is important we try to get a good week’s work with Craig. Saturday came too soon for him.”