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Aberdeen made it back-to-back Premiership victories with a win over Ross County to move six points clear of their visitors, who remain in the relegation play-off place.
Bojan Miovski and Jamie McGrath struck at either end of the match to give their side the points, although the defending that lead to Simon Murray’s 17th goal of the season exposed their soft underbelly.
The home side were quick out of the traps, with Miovski testing George Wickens just two minutes in, only for a debatable offside flag to render the goalkeeper’s save moot.
Aberdeen’s Bojan Miovski finds his shot deflected by Ross County’s Loick Ayina
But the visitors did not heed the warning and were behind after five minutes.
This time it was Junior Hoilett who slid the pass down the side of the County defence and, although Miovski seemed to have been forced wide, his prodded effort trundled through a ruck of players and across the line, despite the despairing late lunge of Loick Ayina.
Perhaps the goal gave Don Cowie’s men a wake-up call as they began to edge back into the game.
Josh Reid was denied a leveller when Murray played him in, only for the wing-back to be foiled by Kelle Roos’ low save.
But Murray brought his side level, first winning a corner off Stefan Gartenmann before heading home unchallenged at the back post from Yan Dhanda’s whipped delivery.
Ross County’s Simon Murray celebrates with Yan Dhanda
Aberdeen’s bright start was now a distant memory and, while Michee Efete was called offside when he blasted over from close range, it was another warning for the home side.
There were signs of life for the Dons early in the second half, but the Staggies could have been in front in the 65th minute as Dhanda’s powerful drive forced Roos to push over.
The introduction of Duk brought some fresh impetus to the hosts’ attack and he charged on to a long ball that drew Wickens out of his area.
The latter took out the former and the ‘keeper was perhaps lucky to escape with a yellow card after a VAR check.
Aberdeen’s Jamie McGrath celebrates his winner with Richard Jensen
Leighton Clarkson whipped the resulting free-kick inches wide of an upright.
Duk was involved again when his side took the lead after 78 minutes. His quick spin in the area took out his man and he laid the ball on a plate for McGrath to turn home from six yards.
It could have been three for Aberdeen when Dante Polvara’s vicious half-volley cannoned back off the bar late on and, although they survived a late VAR check for Gartnemann’s challenge on Murray, it was ultimately job done for the Pittodrie men.
What’s next?
Aberdeen head to bottom-side Livingston next Saturday, while Ross County are at Kilmarnock.
Both games kick-off at 3pm.
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