Derek McInnes

“As difficult as it was at times second half I always felt we were going to win the game. Even when we went behind I thought there was real dominance and control in the first half and we were frustrated to go behind.

“There were enough areas of sloppiness from us at times, playing in the wrong areas, not being totally organised in our defensive work, that gave Motherwell a bit of encouragement. We have got things we need to get better at but some of our play box to box was outstanding – the movement, the one-touch play, getting into good areas. I felt Niall's equaliser was no more than we deserved in that first half.

“At half time we had to replace Willo Flood. It was a shame as he was doing well. His ankle's blown right up and he has slight ligament damage but we don't think there is too much damage to the structure. Hopefully it's nothing too serious.

“We deliberated about who to put on. Adam gave us more of an attacking threat but I never thought we had the same element of control in the second half.

“We told the players at half time they would need to go and be brave if we were to win the game and they did that. We scored a very good goal from the set play. We could have been better with a few chances we had but overall our play was good.

“We have players who can score goals if we get the delivery right. We have now scored a few goals from set plays. Ash got four or five last season and I am putting pressure on him to get more this season. We look like scoring. As a manager it is trying to get the balance right between attack and defence. At times the balance was not right and we were too loose.

“Only being a goal ahead the game is never safe and Motherwell deserve credit for putting us under pressure. They made life difficult for us so we are delighted to come away with the three points.

“Performance wise there was a lot to be pleased about.

“Three wins out of three, we would certainly have taken that at the start of the campaign, especially as we have had to travel to two difficult away venues. The level of performances in all three have been decent and merited all nine points.

“We are looking forward to now working Saturday to Saturday and getting some structure into our working week. There are things we need to work on and get better at.”

“We are looking forward to now working Saturday to Saturday and getting some structure into our working week. There are things we need to work on and get better at.”