Seven-goal thriller sends the Dons top
DEREK McINESS has challenged his Aberdeen players to keep their dream start going after the international break.
The Dons are clear at the top of the Premiership after winning their first four games of the season.
Adam Rooney came off the bench to score a dramatic winner and his manager felt the variety of players in his squad made the difference in a seven-goal thriller.
NcInnes said: “We don’t just have like for like off the bench this season.
“We’ve suffered a bit with that in previous season with other squads.
“The starting line- up was designed to be very attacking and they were all players who could handle the ball.
“But we were able to stiffen things up right at the end when we brought Reynolds on.
“We also had Rooney and Maynard, who are different types of strikers. “Rooney helped us in both boxes. “Adam has always been a big contributor for us over the years and none more so than here.”
“It’s been a good start. We’ve always been a team capable of going on unbeaten runs.
“We challenged the players to win four out of four in the league, and get into last eight of the league Cup. We’ve done that.
“So we’re really pleased with our start. Let’s just see if we can keep it going.”
It was an action- packed encounter that raged from end to end.
Fans often, and quite rightly, complain about the cost of watching football. This game was worth every penny.
The best stories always have a hero and a villain. Ryan Christie managed to play both roles.
The Dons fans were purring over another classy display packed with smooth- as- silk touches.
His ability really isn’t in doubt, but some fans feel he’s prone to going down too easily.
The home fans were enraged when he went down after a touch from Stuart Bannigan and the assistant referee signalled a penalty. It’s was a decision that came at a vital time. Aberdeen had started proceedings at top speed and looked like they would blow the Jags away.
Christie opened the scoring when a Shay Logan shot arrived at his feet just inside the box.
The youngster didn’t hesitate in firing past Cerny.
Chris Erskine levelled things up with a low shot past Lewis before ace predator Kris Doolan put Thistle ahead.
Lewis had to parry the ball when McLean diverted a corner towards his own goal and the Jags captain hit the net.
The controversial penalty saw the teams on level terms at half-time.
Scott Wright had Aberdeen back in front with a glorious curling shot but the cheers of the 2000 travelling fans had only just subsided when Keown headed home from a corner.
Adam Rooney, who missed the start of the season with a thigh injury, then did what he does best.
Christie crossed from the right and the Irishman nodded home the winner.
Keown was sent off right at the end for picking up a second yellow card.
Thistle have yet to put a point on the board, but manager Alan Archibald took plenty of positives from the game.
He said: “I thought we were a threat all afternoon. We worked well on set plays and responded well after going down early.
“At the penalty, I don’t think Stuart has to go near him – don’t give the ref a decision to make.
“The ref didn’t make the decision, it was the linesman. That’s what infuriates us.
“Nine times out of 10 they don’t do much, or the fourth official.
“Now they chip in for certain games. That’s what upsets you because they take part when they want to take part.”