Aberdeen got back to winning ways thanks to a 1-0 win at Motherwell to move up to second place in the Premiership.
Andy Considine was the unlikely scorer for the Dons, netting a scrappy effort to settle a poor game in the Dons favour at Fir Park.
Dons manager Derek McInnes disbanded the three-man defence which struggled in the cup defeat in favour of a back four but there were personnel changes with Kari Arnason replacing Mark Reynolds, who dropped to the bench.
His central defensive partner was Scott McKenna who also came in for his first start of the season in place of Dominic Ball, who was also named among the substitutes. Gary Mackay-Steven dropped out of the matchday squad altogether with Greg Tansey restored in central midfield alongside Anthony O’Connor.
The Steelmen made two changes to their line-up with Charles Dunne and Gael Bigirimana replacing Steven Hammell and Andy Rose.
Aberdeen made a nightmare start three days ago and they were determined to avoid a repeat on their return with a rugged and disciplined showing in the opening 45 minutes.
Chances were at a premium in the opening 45 minutes from either side with a Stevie May shot which went wide the best for the dons while Peter Hartley was also wide of target with a similar low effort for Well.
Some much needed goalmouth action followed in the second half with Joe Lewis saving from Chris Cadden but it was the Dons who made the breakthrough just before the hour mark with a scrappy goal, Andy Considine scrambling the ball into the net after Ryan Christie’s backheel had come back off the post.
