Aberdeen assistant manager Tony Docherty has urged his side to make the most of their opportunity to show they can finish second in the Scottish Premiership tonight.
The Dons moved level with Rangers on goal difference following a 4-1 win against St Johnstone at Pittodrie and they can open up a three point lead on the Gers if they can win their game in hand at Motherwell tonight.
Docherty believes momentum is with his side and has urged the players to do what they did on Saturday and seize their opportunity.
He said: “We have the carrot of going clear in second place so I am expecting a real competitive match but we’re ready for it after Saturday.
“At this stage of the season it’s all about gathering momentum and we’re beginning to do that. We said to them on Saturday that we had an opportunity after Rangers drew with Motherwell and we took it by scoring four goals and it could have been more.
“The pleasing thing for Derek McInnes and me was seeing the players take responsibility and making it a football match and we got the reward for that.
“The first goal really opened the game up for us and our front four made a really positive impact on the game. It was a team performance but it is important we highlight the front four for their contribution. Ryan Christie showed great composure for his goal and it was a very good performance.
“We realise this is a real opportunity for us and hopefully we will take it but we are not kidded on, we are facing a really tough opponent. There is a good atmosphere about the players and hopefully we can take that into the game and take our chance to go clear in second place.”
Chidi Nwakali and Niall McGinn remain absent for the Dons as they bid to secure their second league win at Fir Park tonight.
Docherty needs no reminder about the threat of the Steelmen after they knocked the Dons out of the Betfred Cup. Stephen Robinson’s side have also won at Pittodrie this season but the Aberdeen assistant believes his side can overcome the challenge they face tonight.
He said: “Motherwell have a real identity this season, they know who they are, the players within the team know their roles and they are a difficult opponent. You just have to look at the last two performances against Rangers and Celtic to know it will be a tough game.
“I’ve seen a lot of Motherwell and he has done well but hopefully we have players in the squad who can handle that.”
