Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes says his team are still in title hunt
Sunday 20 March 2016 13:05, UK
Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes refused to rule his side out of the Premiership title race despite slipping four points behind Celtic after losing 2-1 at Motherwell.
Kenny McLean's spot-kick just before half-time put the visitors in a good position to keep the pressure on Ronny Deila's side, who had earlier beaten Kilmarnock with a last-minute winner.
However, quickfire second-half goals from Scott McDonald and Louis Moult turned the game on its head before the visitors' afternoon ended on a sour note when Barry Robson received a straight red card.
But McInnes believes there will be more twists and turns to come in the remaining seven games - and has urged his side to bounce back in their next game at home to Hamilton.
"We have 21 points still to play for and that is only our second defeat in 18 games," he said. "We knew before the game that there was little room for error but with seven games left I still think there will be more surprises and points dropped.
"We are sitting between Celtic and Hearts and we have to look ahead to our next game and get back to our winning ways.
"We looked in control and likely to score a second goal [against Motherwell]. We managed them well, were the stronger side and kept their threat of the front three at arm's length until the final 15 minutes.
"Both of their goals were very cheap and disappointing but you can't lose goals like that and win matches."
McInnes had few complaints with the decision to dismiss Robson, who was given his marching orders in the 79th minute, shortly after Motherwell had taken the lead, mere moments after replacing Andrew Considine.
However, the former St Johnstone and Bristol City boss thought Kieran Kennedy should have also seen red for upending Jonny Hayes in the area, with the defender only receiving a booking after the incident.
McInnes added: "We had a chance to get back into the game and Barry Robson is disappointed as he came on to help energise us but he has crossed the line with his enthusiasm when he raised his elbow, and the referee has called it right with a red card.
"I know it is harsh and you think the penalty award is sufficient but by the letter of the law he has denied Jonny Hayes a goalscoring opportunity from six yards so it would be a red card."
Motherwell boss Mark McGhee hopes his side can remain in the upper tier of the table.
He said: "It is another win and that makes it five out of six and maybe now we can start thinking about staying in the top six."
