Dundee 1 Aberdeen 2 as Nisbet and Keskinen send Dons top of the table and extend winning run to 12 games

Kevin Nisbet and Topi Keskinen celebrate after the latter's goal against Dundee
-Credit: (Image: SNS Group)


Aberdeen prevailed from a thrilling battle with Dundee to extend their winning run to 12 games and move to the top of the Premiership table.

First-half goals from the outstanding Topi Keskinen and his fellow forward Kevin Nisbet sealed the points at Dens Park, but a Simon Murray penalty kept the host's chance of saving their 100% home record alive.

But despite an intense rally from Tony Docherty's men, it would be Jimmy Thelin celebrating victory once again for a sixth time in the league as they moved three points clear of Celtic ahead of their evening clash with St Johnstone.

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The Dons' last defeat in the Premiership was at Dens Park over six months ago, but they have turned around their fortunes since that March evening in tremendous fashion and now head into a blockbuster run of October fixtures with confidence and form aplenty.

Before kick-off, 4,000 Aberdeen fans joined the home crowd in paying tribute to former Dark Blues hero Fabian Caballero, who passed away on Friday at just 46.

The Red Army were in fine voice from the off as both sides surged into action looking to take control of the game, but it would be the hosts with the first chance as Lyall Cameron took aim at Dimitar Mitov's goal on the counter.

It wasn't long however until Thelin's men were ahead, as summer signing Keskinen - replacing the injured Pape Gueye - capitalised on Billy Koumetio's error to cut the ball back to Nisbet who fired in the opener.

The former Hibs man bagged his third goal of the season, something that will catch the attention of Scotland boss Steve Clarke.

Kevin Nisbet's strike opened the scoring at Dens Park
Kevin Nisbet's strike opened the scoring at Dens Park -Credit:SNS Group

Dundee responded well, but despite Mitov being unable to gather a free-kick, Aberdeen recovered and maintained their lead with 25 minutes gone.

Mitov then fumed at referee Calum Scott after being clattered into while collecting a high cross before the official stopped play to allow treatment to Jamie McGrath - the Irishman was able to continue.

Dundee struck the post twice from the corner, but there was no panic from Aberdeen as Keskinen looked to terrorise the Dee defence once again.

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The Finn was causing Koumetio plenty of problems, and his pace beat the former Liverpool man once again after Graeme Shinnie - restored to the starting XI in Tayside - sent the winger towards goal.

His powerful strike beat Jon McCracken and doubled the Dons' lead with just over half-an-hour gone at Dens Park, leaving the visitors well on top.

Cameron forced Mitov into another save from outside the box, determined to find his side a way back into the game despite being two goals down.

Topi Keskinen celebrates after scoring Aberdeen's second
Topi Keskinen celebrates after scoring Aberdeen's second -Credit:SNS Group

"We're gonna win the league" roared the away fans, but the jubilation soon died down when Simon Murray was tripped in the box by Gavin Molloy to gift the hosts a penalty.

The striker sent Mitov the wrong way from the spot and pulled a goal back for Dundee just seconds before half-time in what had so far been a thoroughly enthralling battle.

Back out came the teams in the glorious sunshine, but Mo Sylla would not feature for the hosts in the second 45 as Josh Mulligan was sent on as a concussion substitution, with both sides now able to make six changes.

Dundee pushed for the equaliser, with Clark Robertson looking to threaten Mitov's goal but the Bulgarian managed to tip his effort over the crossbar.

Scott Tiffoney then headed over a Josh Mulligan cross before the former beat Jack MacKenzie to a long punt from McCracken, with his strike nudged wide by the impressive Mitov.

Aberdeen's keeper Dimitar Mitov was tested heavily by Dundee at Dens Park
Aberdeen's keeper Dimitar Mitov was tested heavily by Dundee at Dens Park -Credit:SNS Group

Ante Palaversa was sent on in place of McGrath in the first change for the Reds as Thelin's side slowly started to claw back control of the game, not before Murray forced Mitov into another save.

Dundee's downfall on the afternoon was their set-piece, as they struggled to make anything click, with Sammy Braybrooke's wild corner flying off the other end of the pitch as another chance to equalise went astray.

Docherty turned to his bench looking for answers from his side, with Murray, Braybrooke and Ziyad Larkeche hooked for former Don Curtis Main, Scott Fraser and Oluwaseun Adewumi.

Aberdeen also made a change with less than 10 to go, as Peter Ambrose replaced Nisbet as they looked to hold on to their lead in what was beginning to feel like a similar ending to their August trip to St Johnstone.

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Leighton Clarkson and Keskinen were replaced by Shayden Morris and Vicente Besuijen with injury time to come, but it had been well over half-an-hour since Aberdeen had a shot against Dundee.

Koumetio almost redeemed his earlier errors with a late header, but he could only send his effort over the bar in a moment that left the Dons fans holding their breath.

But eventually, the full-time whistle came, and along with the 4,000-strong Red Army was Dave Cormack cheering in the stands as they secured their 12th win in-a-row and moved top of the table.

Docherty's side had fought brilliantly, but the Dons defence survived what could arguably be its biggest test yet having been under the cosh for most of the second-half.

Aberdeen now host winless Hearts looking for lucky 13 next weekend, with the win over Dundee their sixth of the Premiership campaign.