Aberdeen performance "uncharacteristic" in defeat to Motherwell according to assistant Docherty
Louis Moult got the goals in a 2-0 win for the visitors
Aberdeen assistant Tony Docherty admitted Aberdeen never got going as they suffered at the hands of Louis Moult again.
The Motherwell striker, whose brace helped beat the Dons in the Betfred Cup quarter-final in September, scored both goals to earn his side a 2-0 away win.
Docherty said: “We were up against a striker on form today in Louis Moult, but it was a poor game.
“I didn't think it was a great spectacle. I didn't think Motherwell were great, but they didn't have to be to get their goals, which is a disappointment.
“We have to put it in perspective, we've not had a lot of performances like that. It was a bad day.
“Motherwell changed their system which we didn't anticipate, but once we adapted our system towards that, we looked to impose ourselves on the game and we just never got going.
“We should have imposed our game plan better on Motherwell.
“Individually and collectively we should have done better today.”
Well boss Stephen Robinson praised Moult for his part in his side's victory, but insists it was a collective team performance that earned a morale-boosting win ahead of next Sunday's Betfred Cup final against Celtic.
“It's a fantastic achievement for Louis and he should be very proud,” Robinson said.
“He's come back from disappointment in his career and he thoroughly deserves all the plaudits he's getting.
“But I have to reiterate it was a massive team performance.
“Louis' work-rate, more than his goals, was what was most impressive for me, and if you've got a back four defending as they did today, they deserve as much credit as Louis.”
Robinson was confident next week's game at Hampden Park would not distract his players from their task against Derek McInnes' men Pittodrie.
He added: “I said all week we would remain focused on this game, because this is a tough place to come. Derek's put together a great side and when you look at who they brought off the bench you know you're against a very good side.
“We changed our shape today, and actually changed it three times during the match, but I can throw anything I want at them tactically. Our boys buy into it and their work-rate and desire to learn and be better every day is a common theme around the football club."