Derek McInnes expresses joy after another big win for Aberdeen
Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes was a happy man after his team brushed aside Ross County to record a 4-0 victory for the second Ladbrokes Premiership match in a row.
Two goals in each half gave the Dons a fifth straight win, although their task was made simpler by Tim Chow's sending-off midway through the first period.
Jonny Hayes and Shay Logan put Aberdeen in control before Niall McGinn and Jayden Stockley sealed a comfortable victory.
McInnes, who saw Ash Taylor limp off injured early on, said: It was a strong performance and I have got to be pleased with another four goals and a clean sheet.
The only sour note was big Ash's injury but other than that, it was a good day's work.
Conditions were difficult for both sets of players but I thought we started well and got our goal.
The sending-off made it more difficult for Ross County but it was the right decision. I was not so sure at the time but having looked at it again, it was a red card.''
McInnes continued: We then got a second goal before half-time and in the second half, by and large we did the right thing even though it is not always easy playing against 10 men.
Sometimes the space can be even more difficult to find but we got the balance just about right and it was good to score four goals against a good team.''
Ross County boss Jim McIntyre had no issues with the dismissal of Chow, who was shown a straight red card for a two-footed lunge on Hayes.
The former Wigan man was given his marching orders when County were already trailing 1-0, although McIntyre credited his players for sticking to their task.
McIntyre said: It was a silly challenge from Tim and he has got to learn.
It was a definite red card. In modern-day football you cannot go to ground and he jumped in with two feet. He is gutted.
When you go down to 10 men so early at a place like Pittodrie, up against a good side, it can be difficult.''
McIntyre added: What we needed was to take one of our chances just before half-time to energise us a bit more.
You know that with the type of players Aberdeen have, they are going to create chances and we tried to stay disciplined and nick something on the counter-attack once we went down to 10.
When the third goal went in in the second half, that killed the spirit but credit to the lads for continuing to keep fighting and battling for one another.
I cannot be displeased with the effort that they showed.''