Leighton Clarkson’s stunning free-kick handed Aberdeen all three points in a hard-fought 1-0 victory at St Johnstone. The on-loan Liverpool playmaker found the top corner with a superb 25-yard drive in the second half as the Dons climbed up to fifth in the cinch Premiership.
An Aberdeen win was probably the right result after Jim Goodwin’s side had further chances to add to their lead. Saints struggled for penetration and this defeat saw them fall to third bottom in the top flight.
Aberdeen started brightly and, after Vicente Besuijen sliced an overhead kick well wide, Bojan Miovski had the ball in the net for the visitors when he headed in a Jonny Hayes cross from close range.
However, assistant referee Graeme Stewart immediately raised his flag for offside to cut the Dons’ celebrations short. Aberdeen continued to look threatening on the attack and a low dangerous ball across the box was just out of reach of Miovski.