Cillian Sheridan's brace ended any chance of relegation for St Johnstone

by Stevie Miller

St Johnstone put the disappointment of missing out on the top six behind them to claim their first win at Pittodrie this millennium.

The home side took the lead through Darren Mackie's close-range finish, following some intricate build-up play.

However, quickfire goals from Kenny Deuchar and Cillian Sheridan put the visitors ahead.

Despite the Dons enjoying the better of the second half, Sheridan grabbed a second to secure the points for Saints.

The visitors put some early pressure on Aberdeen but struggled to find a final ball which would break through the Dons defence.

Deuchar should have done better when he got in between the Aberdeen centre-halves but failed to connect with Chris Millar's cross.

Steven MacLean then looked set to pounce on a dangerous ball into the box from Michael Paton, but a touch from Liam Craig took the ball away from the striker.

The home side were looking more dangerous, and made no mistake with their next attack.

Mackie side-footed home from a tight angle after being set up by Paul Marshall, following some neat link-up play at the edge of the Saints box.

The lead did not last long, however, as a set-piece on the right wing provided Saints with an equaliser.

Deuchar rose to meet Craig's free-kick and his looping header flew over Jamie Langfield and into the net for his ninth goal of the season.

Sheridan then picked up on some slack defending by the home defence to put Saints in front for the first time.

Zander Diamond miscued a diving header and Jody Morris rolled the ball into the on-loan Celtic striker's path and he coolly slotted the ball past Langfield.

A terrific cross from Filipe Morais then saw midfielder Murray Davidson go agonisingly close for the visitors only for his downward header to drift just wide.

Aberdeen then had a great chance for an equaliser but Davide Grassi headed wide from Marshall's free-kick as the game raged from end to end.

The home side were on top as the first-half drew to a close but their passing let them down in the final third.

However, St Johnstone keeper Graeme Smith had to look smart to turn MacLean's close-range header past the post from Jerel Ifil's cross to the near post.

Charlie Mulgrew then tried his luck from a free-kick some 35-yards out, but Smith collected the ball comfortably.

Mulgrew was handed the first chance of the second half after Michael Duberry was guilty of fouling Mackie just outside the box.

However, his free-kick went straight into the wall.

The home side claimed for a penalty when Steven Anderson was deemed guilty of handball, but referee Calum Murray judged the offence took place just outside the box.

Substitute Derek Young blazed the resultant free-kick comfortably over the bar.

The Dons were enjoying the lion's share of possession, but the game had developed into a scrappy affair.

Saints were not finished, however, and grabbed another goal to put the game beyond the Dons.

Sheridan volleyed the ball home from close-range after Langfield palmed a Deuchar header to the Irishman following a Craig free kick.

Fraser Fyvie raced clear of Morais as the Dons tried desperately to get back into the match, but Smith got down to block his low shot.

The result ended any faint relegation worries for Saints, but left Aberdeen only six points clear of bottom club Falkirk.

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