Derek McInnes says Aberdeen's experience helped earn Ross County win
Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes praised the experience of his players as they managed to grind out a 1-0 win over a hard-working Ross County side.
Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes praised the experience of his players as they managed to grind out a 1-0 win over a hard-working Ross County side.
Adam Rooney netted the only goal of the game from close range, as the Dons overcame Jim McIntyre's team by the same margin for the second time in a fortnight
McInnes said: Last time out here we scored seven (against Motherwell), but it wasn't that type of game today.
County had a very experienced team and went with a back five, but they still had enough in attack to cause us problems.
The way the first half panned out there was too much to-and-fro, it was a bit like basketball. In the second half I thought we had a bit more control.
Our players deserve a better surface to play on, and (Jonny) Hayes and (Niall) McGinn weren't at their best as a result.
You see the experience of our players once we go in front. I don't think it was in doubt, and the players deserve credit for that. They closed out the game and created a couple of chances after that.
Today was just about getting the job done.''
The sides had met at Victoria Park in the William Hill Scottish Cup just a fortnight earlier, and boss McIntyre fully believes County can end a run that sees them without a win in their last five games.
I thought we played well for long periods in the game,'' he said.
We've created arguably the best chance to open the scoring before the goal did come along, and it's just the way it's fallen for us of late.
The boys were excellent. They gave us everything, and they stuck to the game plan. We frustrated Aberdeen and to lose the goal the way we did was disappointing.
If we keep showing the same level of intensity and performance then we'll pick up points. It will turn for us.
Three weeks on the trot we've lost late goals and it's been sore but the endeavour and effort from the players was there for all to see.
We just need to start punishing teams when we get the opportunity to score.
(Aberdeen goalkeeper Joe) Lewis has made a couple of fine saves today, so the boys are doing everything they can to get the ball over the line.''