Aberdeen 1 Ross County 0: Dons dominate but fail to capitalise on perfect start

Nicky Low’s free-kick in the second minute at Pittodrie proved decisive as Aberdeen took all three points from their tricky match against second-bottom Ross County.

The Dons dominated large periods of the game but were kept at bay by a visiting side that set out to stifle rather than attack.

The Dons were on the front foot from the off, and had taken the lead within two minutes.Vernon was sent crashing to the ground by Stuart Kettlewell 20 yards from goal and Low stepped up to curl the free-kick past Michael Fraser at the near post, the ball nicking the post on its way in.

Derek McInnes’ side should have been further ahead 10 minutes later.

Pawlett’s run into the box was tracked by Klok but the Dutchman tripped the Dons forward, and referee Calum Murray pointed to the penalty spot.

Vernon stepped up and went high to Fraser’s right, but the former Motherwell goalkeeper threw himself across to push the ball around the post.

The Staggies had their own penalty appeal turned down as they made more a game of it but Aberdeen remained in the ascendancy.