Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes has warned his side’s ruthless streak must continue if the Dons are to take second place in the Scottish Premiership and win the Scottish Cup.
The Dons are eight points clear of third-placed Rangers in the chase to finish best of the rest and will play holders Hibernian in the Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden next month.
There has been no lack of energy with Niall McGinn’s added-time winner against Motherwell on Saturday the 15th match this season where the Dons have scored in the 85th minute or later.
From the three home matches in the Europa League in June and July to McGinn’s goal against Well, the Dons have scored 16 goals in all competitions with only Andy Considine’s goal at Ibrox in December against Rangers a consolation effort.
McInnes is delighted his side, which also reached the final of the League Cup in November, is competing on all fronts, but has warned standards cannot drop.
He said: “We want to secure second spot and in the Scottish Cup our next challenge is to get to the final and then hopefully win it. When we came to the club we wanted to see Aberdeen involved in meaningful games at the end of the season and not playing out games that meant nothing.
“I have said to the players repeatedly it is how we finish the season that matters the most.
“We’ve put ourselves in a position to go on and achieve something and it is important we grasp the opportunities.”
Northern Ireland international McGinn’s winner means the Dons have equalled the Aberdeen side of 1986’s feat of winning eight home matches in a row and as his men go for a ninth against Hearts at Pittodrie on Saturday the manager has hailed the drive and determination of his players.
He said: “We’re proud of our home record this season and want to keep it going.
“To match the eight wins in row of the 1986 team is something to be proud of.
“If we can achieve anything close to what that team did then we will be doing well.
“I’m convinced time will reflect well on this team and it will be remembered as a very strong side.
“It is a good period for the club but to be even mentioned in the same conversation as the Dons team of that era is something we should be proud of.”
