Dundee United missed the chance to close the gap on league leaders Celtic after a disappointing defeat at home to Aberdeen.
The home side fancied their chances of building some confidence ahead of next weekend’s visit of the champions with a win in the New Firm, but two first half goals from Adam Rooney meant it would be the Dons celebrating after drawing level on points with their hosts in the table.
United didn’t seem to turn up first half and they found themselves 2-0 down at the break as Rooney was at his deadly best.
The first goal, which came in 18 minutes, has to go down as a mistake from Rado Cierzniak as the keeper failed to hold a David Goodwillie header from 12 yards out.
The big Pole spilled the ball and Rooney was in the right place at the right time to fire the Dons into the lead from close range.
The home side’s defending was a bit suspect again in the build-up to the second, which came in 33 minutes.
Jonny Hayes chipped the ball over the top, Peter Pawlett laid off Andrew Considine down the left and his ball across the face of goal was tapped in at the back post by the unmarked Rooney for his second of the afternoon.
And it could easily have been worse before the interval as Niall McGinn saw a ferocious drive strike the inside of the United post just before half-time.
Callum Morris replaced John Souttar at the break as United sought to steady the ship, and they would have been looking for an early response.
But it never came as United, despite an improved second half showing, failed to find a decisive cutting edge in the final third.