Aberdeen put up a good fight but were narrowly beaten by Celtic who move seven points clear of them at the top of the Premiership.
The Dons were a threat on the break and created a decent chance for Kevin Nisbet who may have been disappointed with his execution.
They had to stand tall defensively too and there was a let off when Daizen Maeda’s goal from a corner was ruled out for a foul on Ross Doohan.
In the second half, Reo Hatate looked certain to score for the visitors after a bit of pinball in and around the Aberdeen box but Doohan stood tall. The stand-in goalkeeper then made a brilliant save from an Adam Idah header.
A break up the other end created an opening for Leighton Clarkson but he choked his shot harmlessly wide.
And Aberdeen’s resolve was finally broken moments later when Greg Taylor found Hatate in the box and the Japanese midfielder took a composed touch before finishing across the keeper with his left foot.
The Dons weren’t quite out of it at this point but couldn’t find an equaliser.
- READ MORE: Foundation of Hearts members’ vote results in with significant impact for Tony Bloom investment
Thelin sticks to Aberdeen guns
Aberdeen played with a fairly attacking set-up against Celtic in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final and were hammered 6-0. Manager Jimmy Thelin was criticised for it.
He had also been forced to change things up in the league meeting between the two after going two goals down in the first half with the Dons fighting back to draw 2-2.
But he was unperturbed and started with the same 4-2-3-1 tonight, with Topi Keskinen, Jamie McGrath and Duk supporting Kevin Nisbet.
It looked like it could pay off as they looked to counter attack and having the quick men allowed them to that. They did make sure they were compact off the ball and they did have to be resolute during some moments of Celtic pressure.
Ultimately it finished with a narrow loss but there is no shame in that.
Doohan stands tall
Aberdeen had concerns heading into the game with their number two goalkeeper who has barely played any football – just one League Cup game against East Kilbride.
Dimitar Mitov is out for around six weeks and the Ross Doohan has stepped into the void.
There were further fears when Doohan took an accidental knee in the face from Kyogo and looked like he may have to go off with a potentially worrying head knock.
But he was able to continue and he went on to make some impressive saves and almost keep a clean sheet in what was a pressure situation against the champions.
Dons proved they can compete
Celtic do have daylight at the top of the league and will probably go on to lift the title, but Aberdeen definitely competed in this game.
That’s two league games against Brendan Rodgers’ side in which they have done so.
Of course they lost tonight and they’ve dropped points elsewhere but this was only their second league. defeat.
And their propensity to compete against the Old Firm could set them apart from teams that have previously finished third and propel them to a challenge for second.