Mcinnes challenges players to live up to billing as his strongest Aberdeen squad

ABERDEEN 2

Cosgrove 45

pen, Taylor 54 ST JOHNSTONE 1

Gordon 38

Aberdeen boss Derek Mcinnes has challenged his squad to live up to their billing.

The D ons battled against the elements to earn a 2-1 victor y against 10 -man St Johnstone on Saturday.

In a match marred for long spells by the strong winds around Pit to drie, the Don s fell behind to a Liam Gordon header late in the first half but were level at the inter val thanks to a controversial Sam Cosgrove penalty.

Ash Taylor net ted what would prove to be Aberdeen's winner before Saints striker Callum Hendry saw red in the closing stages for two bookable offences.

Mc Inn es laid down the gauntlet to his players by saying: "We're halfway through the league now and with 38 points, we're well on track to securing another European slot. We've still got it all to do. Anybody and everybody has told me this is the strongest squad we've had in my time here, but we've still got it all to prove. We're being tested at the moment with injuries and suspensions but we're still managing to dig out results."

Saints boss Callum Davidson has challenged his players to improve their discipline after being reduced to 10 men for the third consecutive game. Jason Kerr, Michael O' Hall oran and now Hen dry have been ordered off, the latter two after coming off the bench.

Davidson said: "I'm disap - pointed with Michael and now Callum. We've not got the biggest of squads and to lose two players - with Jason Kerr, that's been three games now we've lost players - for me isn't good enough."