Tony Docherty |

Assistant manager Tony spoke to the media after tonight’s win over Kilmarnock:
 

“I thought it was an outstanding team performance against a difficult opponent.

“Kilmarnock had a very good result at the weekend against Dundee and we knew that we had to bring that type of performance tonight. Particularly from middle to front we were electric at times with real pace, good decision making and I thought we were clinical.

“Arguably we could have had a few more and funnily enough I never thought that Kilmarnock were poor tonight. At all stages of the game they were still in it and it was important that when we came in at half time we stressed the importance of getting the next goal because we felt Kilmarnock were still in the game.
Some of our attacking play was breath-taking tonight and I am pleased because I know the character of these players, there is no surprise with that type performance.

“We go clear in third now on goal difference and that is something we mentioned at half-time as well, a little disappointed that we didn’t keep the clean sheet. However, for any team to score five goals at home you have got to be pleased with that.

“There was no cause for panic.

“We had two performances that we received a lot of criticism but I know that squad of boys in there and I know that they were hurting. The best way of responding to that is by putting on a performance like we saw tonight. It was 5-1 and it could possibly have been more. We have now got two home games so hopefully we can kick on from there.

“It was a great return for Niall, his play from the first minute playing between the lines was great, he is an intelligent player and you could tell that he was bursting to get back in. That’s what you want and we made four changes tonight and all of the ones that came in played a real part in a strong Aberdeen performance.

“I would need to see the incident with James again before I comment. I wouldn’t like him to pick up that sort of reputation. I’m slightly disappointed because when he gets into those areas he is so quick to turn it’s difficult not to pick up knocks and then he goes down. I will need to see it again but James felt a slight little strain which is why we decided to take him off.

“I thought Peter was excellent tonight. He gives a real dynamic tonight, in forward areas he makes fantastic runs and it is just important that he contributes with goals as well. When you are playing that number ten role or anywhere in that front four you have got to weigh in with goals and he showed that tonight, his overall performance was excellent.

“It’s about gaining momentum and going on runs. Tonight was the first part and we got five goals which we are delighted with, still disappointed that we didn’t get the clean sheet but we look forward now to St Johnstone at home on Saturday. They are a tough opponent but if we bring the attacking flair that we brought tonight then we can certainly look ahead to it with confidence.”