Aberdeen punished struggling Staggies with some fine attacking football at Pittodrie, recounts Voice reporter Andrew Watson.
It was a fine, reasonably warm autumn afternoon on the north-east coast of Scotland.
The Dons started positively with Niall McGinn’s attempt struck off for offside. However, there was action at the other end, too, with Jamie Langfield looking beaten.
Fortunately terrible finishing from the Ross County forward meant that Aberdeen could maintain momentum.
Again, McGinn was involved in some quality play, now stemming from a corner. He delivered an expert ball to man of Eire, Adam Rooney.
1-0 Aberdeen with a header 20 minutes in!
The Pittodrie players then pounced upon poor defending by the Highlanders. Classy ex-Dundee United man David Goodwillie doubled their lead with a free header just six minutes later, aided by an excellent McGinn free kick.
2-0 Aberdeen!
Then something strange happened, which this reporter couldn’t fathom. There was a commotion of sorts in the centre of the pitch, and cards were dished out. Apparently Willo Flood and Ryan Jack were cautioned for arguing between themselves.
Flood made amends early into the second half, spraying a ball which Rooney left for midfield maestro Peter Pawlett.
3-0 Aberdeen after 50 minutes, barely into the second half!
Jeffrey Monakana came on for McGinn seven minutes later. Pawlett then came off for Cammy Smith at 75 minutes. Manager Derek McInnes then swapped Rooney for Barry Robson on the 83 minute mark.
Englishman Monakana had already impressed coming on against Celtic at Parkhead last weekend and didn’t disappoint at Pittodrie either.
He made some good runs and showed promise, delivering a through ball to Goodwillie who evaded the keeper but just couldn’t quite get the ball in the net.
Hopefully these two can become prominent playmakers for the season ahead.
Final score: 3-0.