Aberdeen hit Ross County with two free kicks to win at the Global Energy Stadium as they ran out 3-1 winners.
The Staggies were awarded a penalty after just four minutes when Lewis Ferguson was deemed to have handled the ball in the area. Josh Mullin made no mistake with the spot kick, sweeping it into the bottom corner.
Stuart Kettlewell’s side were ahead early on. (Photo by VI Images via Getty Images)
Niall McGinn fired back five minutes later with an excellent free kick into the bottom corner. After the restart, another set piece ended up in the net.
Ryan Hedges’ free kick from the right missed everyone as it bobbled into Ross Laidlaw’s goal. Andy Considine finished the match with a wonderful curled effort.
A win lifts Derek McInnes’ side into third whilst County remain winless at home since September. Here are three things we learned.
Fast start
Action in Dingwall was getting played like a basketball game in the opening stages. After four minutes County had it in the net, albeit from a penalty that shouldn’t have stood.
Aberdeen and Ross County played at a high pace. (Photo by Scott Baxter/Getty Images)
Ferguson handled it outside the box yet referee Alan Newlands pointed to the spot. The Dons were quick to hit back though with a quick free kick thanks to McGinn.
It continued to sway from side to side as both sides pressed for a lead, with both teams playing the pressing game at a high tempo.
Eventually though County started dropping deeper and deeper as Aberdeen piled the pressure on. The Dons got their rewards in the second though, a fair result on the balance of play.
Magic McGinn
He got Aberdeen back into this game and overall the Northern Irishman was terrific once again for the Dons.
McGinn was brilliant. (Photo by Scott Baxter/Getty Images)
McGinn’s free kick was one of sheer quality, dropping the ball into the bottom corner with ease. It wasn’t just the goal though that made his afternoon.
McGinn had County captain Marcus Fraser on toast for the whole game, with driving runs and McGinn’s technical ability proving too much to handle at times for the right-back before his opponent went over to the right wing.
McInnes will be pleased with the winger’s Dingwall contributions.
Contrasting fortunes for Aberdeen and Ross County
It’s a big result for Aberdeen. Not only does it put them third by two points prior to Motherwell facing Celtic, it puts them well ahead of fifth place Kilmarnock.
A big Dons win. (Photo by Scott Baxter/Getty Images)
Their draw at home to Hamilton means the Dons have a six point advantage over Killie, a comfortable cushion for McInnes.
County on the other hand are getting dragged towards the bottom. They remain in the top six for now, but results elsewhere leave them just four points clear of the relegation zone.