McInnes hails Aberdeen performance as they brush aside St Mirren

Posted Sunday, August 19, 2018 by PA

Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes hailed his side’s performance in the 4-0 Betfred Cup win over St Mirren.

Despite losing the influential Niall McGinn to injury in the warm-up, the Dons created the first chance after just nine seconds, and first-half goals from Gary Mackay-Steven, Graeme Shinnie and Stevie May had them on easy street.

Mackay-Steven added a fourth from the penalty spot early in the second half, and in truth the Dons could have scored as many as they wanted.

“It was an exceptional performance,” McInnes said. “We imposed ourselves from the start and we could have scored after seconds. We dominated possession and we were professional in ensuring we kept the clean sheet.

“The speed and intelligence, especially at the top end of the pitch was really pleasing. We caused St Mirren all sorts of problems with our movement and speed.”

Frank Ross replaced McGinn at short notice and played a big part in the Dons’ performance.

McInnes added: “Frank Ross came into the team at short notice, it was 20 to three we told him he was playing after Niall McGinn felt an issue in his calf.

“He’s got remarkable confidence in himself, and he’s been my best player in training every day. He was the natural replacement for Niall and credit to him he was very influential.

“The only thing is we could have scored more, but to get four goals against another Premiership side is pleasing.”

St Mirren boss Alan Stubbs admitted his side have much work to do after taking a hiding, and called for his players to take more responsibility in doing so.

“We didn’t start the game well,” he said. “We gifted Aberdeen early goals and let them build up momentum.

“The first half especially, you could see why they’ve been the second-best side in the country and you have to appreciate that. We contributed to it though, which makes it doubly difficult.

“At least three of the goals, we contributed to our downfall. That needs to be eradicated, and the players need to take more responsibility than what they are doing at the moment.

“Paul McGinn stuck at it and tried to be positive, and Craig Samson – although he made a mistake for one of the goals – he made other saves. I’m struggling to name anyone else with pass marks. It’s disappointing.

“We need to improve – and quickly.”