Aberdeen maintained their pursuit of the teams above them in the Scottish Premiership as they ground out a crucial three points against a lacklustre Partick Thistle at Firhill.
The final scoreline should have been more comfortable than the scoreline suggests but Aberdeen were worthy of their win against the Jags.
Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes’ options in central midfield were reduced further due to the absence of Barry Robson, who missed out due to an injury in training. With Willo Flood also injured the Dons manager brought in Cammy Smith while David Goodwillie was restored to the starting line-up alongside Adam Rooney in a two-pronged forward line.
The absence of Shay Logan due to suspension meant a tactical change was required too, Andrew Considine switching to right back with Jonny Hayes taking his place at left back.
Rooney had the ball in the net early for the Dons but his goal was disallowed for a foul by the Aberdeen forward. James Craigen wasted Partick’s best chance of the first half when he fired wide of goal from 10 yards before Rooney forced a fine save from home goalkeeper Paul Gallacher.
But the goal the Dons craved eventually came as Jags midfielder Abdul Osman used his hands to block a Mark Reynolds header, conceding a penalty in the process. The home support was furious at the decision, but once order was restored Rooney did the rest, firing low past Gallacher to give the Dons a half-time lead.
The second half was less of a spectacle than the first but the Dons should have put the game beyond the home side when Rooney saw his netbound header superbly tipped away by Jags goalkeeper.
But in the end, Aberdeen’s defence stood firm to ensure goalkeeper Scott Brown did not have a single save to make.
A valuable three points for the Dons on a weekend when the four teams above them all won.