what the managers said

Quotes From PA Sport

Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes reserved special praise for Jamie Langfield and Scott Vernon after a 3-1 win at Tannadice ensured they would go into the final weekend of the Scottish Premiership season in second place.

Vernon struck a hat-trick – his first goals of 2014 – after being drafted in for the injured Adam Rooney but Langfield was another key man as he made a string of saves to deny Dundee United, including brilliant stops from volleys by Andy Robertson and Mark Wilson soon after Sean Dillon’s 34th-minute equaliser.

After the break, Vernon headed home Barry Robson’s corner, which deceived debut goalkeeper Marc McCallum, and took advantage of Gavin Gunning’s aerial misjudgement to put the Dons four points ahead of Motherwell, who visit Pittodrie on Sunday after hosting Inverness on Wednesday.

McInnes said of his goalscorer: “He was absolutely fantastic. He led the line well, he put himself about, was a goal threat and linked the play well. He was different class.

“He has had to be patient because we have been pleased with what Adam has given us.

“Scott more than anybody does the extra work to keep his fitness up and make sure he is ready when called upon. He’s a great pro.”

McInnes, who lost Willo Flood to a dead leg, added: “Jamie has made three or four saves but two in particular were top, top drawer. He has done that for us this season.”

United manager Jackie McNamara also felt Langfield was key and bemoaned an offside flag that denied Ryan Dow a goal.

“I don’t think we deserved to lose but when you make mistakes like that, it can be costly,” he said.

“Their goalkeeper has made three or four great saves to keep them in the match, and at 2-1 I thought Dow’s goal was perfectly okay. We were on the ascendancy then.

“With the effort the boys put in, the creativity and the chances created, I’m disappointed for them to lose but it’s about concentration. I think the three goals were preventable.”