Goals from Scott Vernon and Barry Robson ensured that St Mirren left Pittodrie with nothing to show for their efforts on Saturday afternoon.

Vernon finished past goalkeeper Marian Kello after the visitors' centre-backs made a mess of a long ball.

And Robson's inswinging corner then caught Kello unawares to seal the three points for the Dons, who were the better side from the kick-off and fully deserved their victory.

Peter Pawlett was again impressive following his excellent performance against St Johnstone, and he caused the Buddies' defence a number of early problems, cutting in from the right and firing a shot at goal which was deflected wide.

However, the visitors were the first side to have the ball in the back of the net; Steven Thompson finished off Jason Naismith's cross, but he was adjudged to have been offside by the assisstant referee.

Vernon then had a chance to make the breakthrough for the hosts and made no mistake. A mix-up between Darren McGregor and Marc McAusland ensured the English striker had a clear run on goal, and he finished past Kello to collect his sixth goal of the season.

Vernon had another chance before the break, but couldn't divert his shot on target from close range.

Half time: 1-0

After the interval St Mirren were much more adventurous and McAusland almost made amends for his earlier error, but could not quite connect with a cross.

Paul McGowan then saw a long-range effort saved by Aberdeen goalkeeper Jamie Langfield.

However, Aberdeen then put the game to bed with a bizarre goal. Barry Robson's whipped corner deceived everyone, including Kello, and found its way into the back of the net. The visitors protested that the goalkeeper had been fouled, but referee Craig Thomson took a dim view and the hosts had their two-goal lead.

Michael Hector and Jonny Hayes could have extended the lead in the closing stages, but Aberdeen will be pleased to have taken all three points, especially given the atricious weather conditions.

The result means that Aberdeen stay level on points with Dundee United in fourth place. Meanwhile, St Mirren lie eighth in the table, but have a game in hand over Hibernian who are seventh. 

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About the author
Jamie Hall
Cycling editor and football writer. Currently studying sports journalism at university.