Aberdeen’s seven wins since the turn of the year have all been by single-goal margins and manager Derek McInnes believes his players have proved their strength of character by coming out on top in so many tight matches.
The Dons could go into today’s match against Motherwell with the added incentive of knowing a victory could take them top of the league, if Celtic drop points at Kilmarnock this lunchtime.
Niall McGinn and Ash Taylor were on target when the Dons came from behind to beat Motherwell 2-1 on their last trip to Fir Park in August and another close contest is expected this afternoon.
A virus has disrupted Motherwell’s preparations but Mark McGhee’s side go into the encounter full of confidence after moving into the top six by winning four matches out of five.
While Motherwell are fighting for the precious points that will ensure they finish the season in the top half of the league, this is the first of eight cup finals for the Dons, who are bidding for a first title since 1985.
More than 2,000 Aberdeen supporters will be at Fir Park to cheer on the title contenders and manager McInnes believes his players can rise to the occasion.
He said: “The players have really dealt with the expectation and pressure here very well over the last three years, none of it is surprising.
“As long as there is enough time left on the clock, I always feel like we can come back from difficult situations.
“Whether it is from drawing games and getting ourselves into a winning situation or coming from behind and getting something from the game.
“The players over the last three years have done that time and time again, that isn’t in question.
“It is important for us to show our quality at times, to hammer home our advantage, get the second goal when we are on top of teams, and try to make the game that bit more comfortable.”
The Steelmen could be missing several first-team players through illness but McInnes is not underestimating McGhee’s side.
He added: “Motherwell are in good form. They went through a stage of losing late goals but now they have managed to get some good form going and I am not surprised by that.
“Motherwell have every chance of getting themselves into the top six but we are also on a good run.
“We have suffered injuries to key players but we have still managed to win games.
“Now it is about replicating performances and getting results, more than anything.
“The result is the most important thing at this stage of the season.”
