Aberdeen opened their pre-season campaign in style as they cruised to victory against a makeshift Brechin City.
The Dons were ruthless against the League 1 side comprising just seven signed players in their squad on a night when the final scoreline could have been higher.
With only two matches to prepare his side for their Europa League qualifier in Macedonia next week Dons manager Derek McInnes named a strong starting line-up at Glebe Park.
Graeme Shinnie listed among the substitutes. Ryan Jack captained the side and has officially been named the new club captain.
New Brechin manager Darren Dods had no such luxury, however, with his squad of 21 containing 14 trialists.
It should come as no surprise, given the makeshift nature of the home side, that the Dons swept into an early lead in the seventh minute when Jack collected a loose ball out the left wing before cutting inside trialist full back Jonathan Tiffoney and curling a fine 20 yard shot high pat Paddy O’Neil in the Brechin goal.
It was a fine start from the visitors but they gifted the home side a chance to draw level when Willo Flood bundled Andy Jackson to the ground in the box, conceding a penalty in the process.
Goalkeeper Scott Brown would have pleased incoming goalkeeper coach Gordon Marshall, who was in attendance as he prepares to succeed Jim Leighton at the club, by saving Calum Tapping’s spot kick with his feet.
The penalty scare apart, the gulf in class was clear for all to see as the Dons peppered the City goal with shots before Adam Rooney doubled the lead in the 24th minute when he gathered a Kenny McLean pass with his back to goal, spun away from player-manager Dods and fired low past O’Neil from 18 yards.
Dods’ night went from bad to worse three minutes later when he sent David Goodwillie sprawling in the box with a poor challenge, allowing Rooney to make it 3-0 from the penalty spot.
Aberdeen were keen to push forward at every chance, perhaps too much, as one attacking passage broke down and with several Dons players out of position Brechin attacker Andy Jackson outstripped the home defence before slotting the ball past Brown.
The riposte was brief, however, as the visitors made it 4-1 when Rooney set-up Peter Pawlett to slot home from close range. Shay Logan made it five before the break following a well worked exchange of passes in the box with Goodwillie.
Having been given the runaround in the first half by the Dons the introduction of Shinnie, Mark Reynolds and Jonny Hayes for the second half was tantamount to cruelty on the part of the Dons manager.
The goal glut continued with Rooney netting his hat-trick courtesy of another penalty before Robert Thomson reduced the deficit to 6-2 when he slid in at the back post.
The Dons were not to be denied though and Hayes rattled in number seven after running on to Shinnie’s through pass before substitute Michael Rose headed Barry Robson’s corner home for the eighth to round off a pleasing evening for McInnes.
Aberdeen
Brown, Logan, Taylor (Wright 82), Quinn (Reynolds 46), Considine (Shinnie 46), Jack (Rose 82), Flood (Robson 76, McLean (Storie 76), Pawlett (Hayes 46), Goodwillie (Smith 76), Rooney (Shankland 76).
Unused substitute: Langfield.
Referee
Matt Northcroft.
Attendance
1,209.