ABERDEEN caused quite the stooshy in their win against Celtic on Saturday, a landmark result which sent them clear at the top of the Ladbrokes Premiership. While this 1-0 triumph over Hamilton Academical which extended that lead last night was more understated, its significance, even in mid September, should not be downplayed.
Earned via an Adam Rooney first-half penalty, Derek McInnes’ team successfully managed the expectation heaped upon them by the majority of the 13,246 inside Pittodrie, despite a late Hamilton charge being responsible for the odd flutter.
It now means Aberdeen hold a five-point advantage after seven league wins on the trot, an achievement acknowledged at full-time as the Magnificent Seven theme tune blared out over a chorus of applause. There is clearly excitement building around the Granite City over the potential around this current side, and quite rightly so. While not spectacular, they still managed to carve out three or four clear chances during a subtle but professional display.
“There’s not a successful team out there who haven’t had to win games like that,” said the Aberdeen manager of his team’s late scare. “Understandably maybe on the back of Saturday the levels weren’t quite there but I think the outcome is what we would have wanted.
“We’ve got another job done. The positives have been Rooney has scored again, it’s another clean sheet and seven wins from seven to go five points clear, which we are delighted with.”
Accies were keen to make amends for their heavy defeat in Perth that saw them go down 4-1 to St Johnstone. However, there was little evidence, particularly early on, that Martin Canning’s team were going to do anything to halt Aberdeen’s surge to seven Premiership wins in a row.
The closest they came to getting anywhere near the home goal was when Christian Nade broke into the box near the byeline before getting himself into a lather. He eventually untangled his legs to lob a high ball across goal to Gramoz Kurtaj who skelped a half volley into the side netting.
There was also a serious shout for a penalty claim on 25 minutes as Dougie Imrie appeared to be decked in the box, but referee Crawford Allan was not in the mood, instead flashing the Hamilton forward a yellow card for his trouble after some careful consideration.
While Imrie’s calls for a spot kick were ignored, Aberdeen’s had been answered just two minutes earlier. Left-back Graeme Shinnie surged at Ziggy Gordon before reaching the byeline where he had his legs taken away from him. There was little protest from the modest travelling support – which probably didn’t even get out of double figures – and Rooney stepped up to shoot low and left beyond Michael McGovern.
Aberdeen continued to come and press in the second half. On the hour mark their pressure play was rewarded with a glorious chance for Rooney to grab a second which somehow was denied by McGovern. A pinpoint outswinging cross from Ryan Jack found the head of the Irishman six yards out, only for the Hamilton goalkeeper to superbly palm it over the bar.
Canning through on Alex D’Acol upfront for Nade to try get his team into more dangerous positions, and his introduction at least hauled his team higher up the park as they clock dwindled down. A Kurtaj deflected shot that spun just wide the best of their offerings.
Despite that brief fright, Aberdeen recovered well and should have finished the game at least three goals to the good if it wasn’t for the woodwork and some heavy duty dithering. Firstly the impressive McGinn tanned McGovern’s crossbar from 25 yards, before a delightful chipped through ball from Willo Flood sent substitute Josh Parker awkwardly scampering in on goal. His composure continued to betray him as he slowed going into the box, allowing Accies to recover.
“I thought the momentum was with us towards the end and I felt if anyone was going to score it would be us,” said Canning. “I’m disappointed for the boys because we put so much into it.”
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