DEL: WE WERE SLICK & TIRED
McInnes hails his battered squad after battling win
Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes hailed his men for hauling themselves off the canvas to defeat Livingston.
McInnes’ side inflicted the second Premiership home defeat of the season on Livi.
Supersub James Wi lson scored the opener and an own goal by Livi substitute Steven Lawson ensured al l three points were heading north despite Ryan Hardie’s 88thminute consolation goal.
However Reds boss McInnes also hit out at the ‘ unfair’ sequence of games which has seen the Dons face a mammoth NINE games in December and lose several players to injuries.
McInnes said: “Both teams put a lot into the Celtic game.
“It was two teams going all out for the win. I have been concerned about the nine games in December.
“We played the League Cup final and then eight league games in 24 days.
“It is really unfair on our club as we have picked up injuries to Bruce Anderson, Max Lowe, Shay Logan and Niall McGinn.
“It is down to the scheduling and fatigue and players being susceptible to injuries.
“We put a lot into the Celtic game and almost got a result.
“That’s why I was delighted with the way we picked ourselves up and got this win against Livingston.
“We can go into the winter break proud of what we have achieved in the first half of the season.”
It was Livi who came closest to taking the lead from a freekick in 27 minutes after Andy Considine fouled Dolly Menga.
Stevie Lawless’ floater was glanced goalwards by Craig Halkett but Joe Lewis produced a superb reflex save to keep the score blank.
The Reds then suffered a blow when Logan limped off to be replaced by Stephen Gleeson. The Dons then looked to have two decent penalty appeals within seconds.
Graeme Shinnie’s overhit pass saw Anderson in on goal and Livi No. 1 Liam Kel ly seemed to make contact but referee Steven McLean ignored the pleas. Lawless then appeared to catch Anderson with his elbow as the corner came over but again McLean took no notice.
Livi’s Declan Gallagher then flashed a drive wide of the post but the opener continued to elude both sides as the halftime whistle sounded.
McInnes threw on Reds attacker James Wilson for Anderson on 61 minutes and it proved to be an inspired change. May then slashed an effort horribly wide on 63 minutes as the wait for the breakthrough continued.
The deadlock was finally broken on 70 minutes when the ball broke to Gleeson at the edge of the box .
His opt imist ic d r ive goalwards was turned into the net by on- loan Manchester United hitman Wilson.
The Reds made it 2- 0 on 86 minutes when Wilson made a run from the halfway line down the right hand side and fired an inviting cross across the face of goal which was then turned into his own net by the luckless Lawson.
However Livingston would never go down without a fight and they threw themselves a lifeline on 88 minutes.
They pul led one back through Hardie which ensured a nervy finish but the Reds held on for the win and finish the year on a high note.