Aberdeen made it four wins out of four in the Scottish Premiership as they beat Dundee 2-0 at Pittodrie this afternoon.
A double from Adam Rooney secured the points for Derek McInnes’ side as they continued their pursuit of leaders Hearts.
Aberdeen manager McInnes made one enforced change from the side which won 2-1 at Motherwell last weekend with Adam Rooney replacing injured midfielder Willo Flood, who suffered an ankle injury at Fir Park.
With Rooney joining David Goodwillie in attack it was a clear signal of intent from the Dons boss against a Dundee side who lost just once in five matches against the Dons last season.
The fact Aberdeen failed to beat Paul Hartley’s side at Pittodrie was a bone of contention for McInnes who, in the build-up to the game, stated his desire to see his players prove they could beat the Dark Blues at Pittodrie.
The only meeting of the teams in the Granite City last season was a thrilling 3-3 draw with the Dons coming from 3-1 down with two late goals to snatch a share of the spoils.
The Aberdeen players responded to their manager’s call with a dominant display against the Dark Blues.
They swarmed all over Dundee with the first half as one-sided an affair as you will see all season, but the visitors somehow made it to half-time without conceding with a Rooney header which clipped the crossbar the closest the home side came to breaking the deadlock.
Despite reaching the break goalless Dundee manager Hartley would have been far from happy with what he watched and whatever he said had the desired effect as his side almost opened the scoring at the start of the second half when Kane Hemmings ran clear on goal but Danny Ward did well to block his effort.
But Aberdeen survived a strong start to the second half from the visitors before breaking the deadlock 23 minutes from time.
Hayes was the architect as his surging run down the right took him past Kevin Holt with ease before he crossed for Rooney who beat Bain with a header from six yards.
Rooney made the points secure in injury time when he scored from the penalty spot after Gary Harkins had been sent off for tripping the attacker as he prepared to shoot.