Aberdeen's long suffering fans were today in jubilant mood as they watched
their team overcome Hearts at Pittodrie to chalk up only their second league win
in 16 games.
Robbie Winters and Eoin Jess came up with the first half goals that earned a
richly deserved victory.
The Dons showed commitment and determination, something which has been lacking
throughout the league campaign so far.
The result however came too late for Alex Miller, the beleaguered boss
departing Pittodrie earlier this week after a string of disastrous performances
and results had left the Dons all alone at the bottom of the Premier League.
Following Miller's exit, there was a degree of anticipation and indeed
expectation among the Pittodrie faithful, and they weren't to be disappointed as
Aberdeen ripped Hearts apart with two goals in a five minute spell during the
first half.
Hearts, who have not won a match away from home all season, rarely threatened
the Dons goal and were forced into making a team change as early as the 14th
minute when Gary Naysmith limped off injured to be replaced by Rab McKinnon.
Aberdeen, who had certainly raised their game for the caretaking management
duo of Paul Heggarty and Keith Burkinshaw went ahead in 32 minutes when former
Dundee United man Winters headed home a Rowson cross at the back post.
Five minutes later Jess put the Dons 2-0 up with a stunning goal when he ran
fully 20 yards before smashing an unstoppable left foot shot past Rousset from
the edge of the box.
Although there were no more goals Aberdeen continued to battle in midfield,
again something which has been missing from the Dons performances of late.
And although Hearts mounted a late challenge with a flurry of attacks, the
Dons held on for a win which has lifted them off the bottom, leaving Dunfermline
once again to prop up the league.
The winning margin could have been greater though had scorer Jess not missed a
spot kick on the stroke of half time which was saved by keeper Rousset after
Rowson was pulled down in the penalty area.
Teams
Aberdeen: Leighton, Perry, Whyte, Pepper, Inglis, Smith,
Jess (Newell 50), Kiriakov, Buchan, Rowson, Winters.
Subs Not Used: Dow, Stillie, Hart, Good.
Booked: Perry.
Goals: Winters 32, Jess 37.
Hearts: Rousset, McPherson, Naysmith (McKinnon 14), Weir,
Ritchie, Fulton, Adam, Hamilton (Holmes 72), Flogel, Murray,
Guerin (Locke 45).
Subs Not Used: McKenzie, Carricomdo.
Booked: Fulton, Weir, Hamilton.
Att: 11,137
Ref: K Clark (Paisley).
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