Graeme Shinnie struck a thunderous winner as Aberdeen recorded a 2-1 Europa League victory over Apollon Limassol at Pittodrie.

The Dons skipper capped an inspirational display by swerving a 25-yard effort into the top corner in the 78th minute of the third qualifying-round first leg.

Dons boss Derek McInnes was quick to pay tribute to his match-winner, saying: "Obviously we need somebody to step up and get that winning goal and what a strike from Graeme Shinnie.

"There could not be any more love for Graeme from our supporters. He plays the game exactly how supporters want their players to play.

"It meant so much to get that result. It's half-time and we have got to go there and show the confidence to get the result."

Ryan Christie headed the Dons into a fifth minute lead before Apollon - who have twice reached the group stages in the past four years - levelled through Brazilian full-back Jander but saw their manager and other full-back, Esteban Sachetti, sent off before the Dons took control.

Christie added to the goal he notched in the previous round against Bosnia's Siroki Brijeg when he rose highest to meet Gary Mackay-Stevens' delivery.

Crosses from the excellent Mackay-Steven and Shay Logan soon had the Cypriot side scrambling to clear and Andrew Considine had a header saved.

Shinnie had been booked early on for a hard but ball-winning challenge but Finnish referee Mattias Gestranius displayed several bouts of leniency towards Apollon, especially when only showing a yellow card to Argentinian Sachetti following a very late, two-footed tackle on Greg Stewart.

Aberdeen stayed on top immediately after the interval. Mackay-Steven could not find a team-mate after twice getting free and the ubiquitous Shinnie forced a save after bursting into the box.

However, Limassol posted several warnings before levelling when Santana met an Antonio Jakolis (56) cross at the back post and got in front of Mackay-Steven to finish high into the net.

Christie soon forced a decent stop before being caught by the arm of Sachetti in the 71st minute to consign the defender to a second yellow card.

The Dons took the initiative and Stewart screwed well wide after a one-two with Christie before Shinnie (78) took matters into his own hands with a cracking left-foot strike.

The visitors were content to keep the score at 2-1 and Stockley headed wide from a decent chance in the last minute.