Dons grind out win to solidify second place
ABERDEEN took full advantage of Rangers’ ongoing crisis to stretch their lead in the race for second place.
Adam Rooney’s 17th goal of the season earned the Dons a huge win over Ross County – one which sent them nine points clear of the imploding Gers.
But Derek McInnes’ men were made to scrap every step of the way by a stubborn Staggies side.
The Dons gaffer admitted as much in the aftermath.
But he also hailed his players for the spirit that saw them through – then challenged them to open up an even bigger gap over their second-place rivals.
He said: “Last time out here we scored seven against Motherwell. This wasn’t that type of game. “We had to fight for every inch. “A lot of key players probably weren’t at their best but you saw the experience of the team kick in once we went a goal up.
“After that, I didn’t feel it was in doubt. We were very strong.
“The players deserve a lot of credit for it because you can’t always enjoy playing – but we enjoy winning.
“That was all today was about – getting the job done.”
The Dons were seven points BEHIND Rangers just two months ago.
On Tuesday night, victory over basement boys Hamilton Accies will send them 12 clear.
Nevertheless, McInnes insists his side are far from secure in second.
“The gap has quickly gotten bigger, which suggests it can quickly go the other way again,” he said.
“So while it’s nice to look at the league table, we want to be looking at it with the same pleasure at the end of the season.
“There are still too many games to play for us to think we’re home and hosed.
“We’ ve got work to do and an opportunity for another three points on Tuesday night.
“We just have to use the squad and all of our experience to keep picking up points.
“The time for reflection isn’t now – it’s at the end of the season.”
Once again, McInnes fielded his strongest 11 from the start.
With Ryan Jack and Graeme Shinnie in front of the back four, the Dons instantly took control of possession.
But for all their territorial dominance, the home side displayed an uncharacteristic sluggishness in attack – and the first chance of the game fell for County.
It came when Martin Woods’ corner, 25 minutes in, found Andrew Davies completely unmarked.
The defender sent his header wide when he should have scored.
Dons keeper Joe Lewis denied Alex Schalk twice from distance as County threatened on the break.
Then Graeme Shinnie cleared off the line from Davies as the pattern continued into the second half. The Dons looked in danger. But after Rooney gambled to shin Davies’ sclaffed clearance past Scott Fox, they held firm.
County boss Jim McIntyre felt his side were worthy of at least a point.
Given the chances they carved out, his case was undeniably strong.
“I feel we deserved something from that,” he said.
“We played well for long periods of the game and created good chances.
“The boys were excellent, they stuck to the game plan and restricted Aberdeen to shots from distance.
“To lose the goal the way we did is just the way it has been falling for us lately.
“But if we keep up that level of performance, intensity and effort we will start to pick up points.”