Aberdeen moved to within four points of Caley Thistle following a fine win in a five goal thriller at Pittodrie this afternoon.
An entertaining game at Pittodrie was settled in the home side’s favour by Jonny Hayes, who scored what proved to be the winning goal against his former club.
Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes made two changes to the side which beat Livingston 4-0 in the League Cup in midweek with Andrew Considine and Barry Robson replacing the injured Ryan Jack while Nicky Low dropped to the bench.
Caley Jags manager John Hughes named the starting 11 which beat St Johnstone at Caledonian Stadium last weekend.
Caley Thistle made a dream start through Josh Meekings, who rose unchallenged to head Greg Tansey’s goal past Jamie Langfield for his first senior goal for the club.
But a poor headed pass back from Meekings’ defensive team-mate Gary Warren let Adam Rooney in and he took the ball past Highlanders goalkeeper Dean Brill before netting his 11th goal of the season.
Warren almost made amends with a header which clipped Langfield’s right post before Shay Logan rounded off a fine passing move from the home side to put the Dons in front before half-time.
But Caley Thistle drew level five minutes into the second half when Marley Watkins beat Jamie Langfield.
Their time back on level terms didn’t last for long, however, as yet another mistake, this time from Ross Draper, let in David Goodwillie. His shot was saved by Dean Brill but Jonny Hayes netted the rebound to make it 3-2 for the Dons.
