Aberdeen forward Simon Church reckons the Dons showed mental toughness for the Premiership title chase ahead by coming from behind to defeat Partick Thistle 2-1 at Firhill last night.
Champions snatch victory from the jaws of defeat and that’s exactly what the Dons were forced to do.
Derek McInnes’ side were far from their best and fell behind to a stunning goal from Steven Lawless on the hour mark.
They looked down and out but goals from defender Andrew Considine and Church were enough to give the Dons an unlikely but crucial win.
The on-loan MK Dons attacker was delighted to net the decisive goal as Aberdeen moved to one point behind leaders Celtic having played a game more.
He said: “It was a tough game and going a goal behind made it even tougher.
“Partick Thistle played really well, so we are very happy with the three points.
“We now have nine games left which are going to be massive.
“That was a vital three points for us and, with the support that was there for us, it was important we got the win.”
With leading-scorer Adam Rooney missing because of a thigh injury, Church has made the most of his prolonged run in the Aberdeen team.
The Wales international has now scored four times in six appearances since joining the club in January and hopes to keep his run going when the Dons host Premiership strugglers Kilmarnock on Saturday.
He added: “With going a goal behind it was important to get it back as quickly as possible.
“Getting the winner was an amazing feeling. We did well to hang on and get all three points.
“The players showed a lot of courage and quality to get the win.
“I am really enjoying the challenge here and am delighted to have scored a few goals.
“I’m finding myself enjoying the games a lot more. I’m getting a lot of chances and it is up to me to put them away.
“What forward doesn’t like scoring goals?
“I just need to keep it going over the final nine games.
“It may sound boring, but we just have to take it game by game. There is another big game coming on Saturday against Kilmarnock and that is going to be a tough match.”
