There's a lot to smile about today. A tremendous victory over Ross County at the weekend was followed up with another emphatic win yesterday evening. Livingston travelled north with hopes of causing an upset against the current League Cup holders, US!
That was not to be though as they left Pittodrie well and truly dismantled and on the wrong end of a 4-0 lashing. Due to Aberdeen's unwanted history against lower league teams in cup competitions there is always a sense of trepidation when taking on a team such as Livingston at Pittodrie. However there was to be no scare story this time round as Aberdeen eventually cruised through the match after the visitors caused several problems.
An early goal from Ash Taylor went a long way to settling the nerves if there was any. A cross from Flood found Taylor rising highest at the back post and heading in to the dismay of the 118 travelling supporters.
Credit has to be given where it is due though and Livingston certainly caused Aberdeen a few problems creating some chances of their own. Brown found himself in goals making his debut in place of Jamie Langfield. I think this change was purely to give Brown a chance in between the sticks, and he more than lived up to the occasion as he produced some good saves to keep Livingston at bay.
The second half would be one for Adam Rooney to remember as he managed to fire in a 26 minute hat-trick. Excellent play from Goodwillie allowed Rooney in on goal and his powerful shot struck the underside of the bar and in. Brilliant stuff. It was soon three as a good passing move ended with Rooney drilling a low shot into the bottom corner from just outside the box. Another great goal. Finally in the 90th minute to complete his trio of goals he tapped in from close range.
So Rooney takes the match ball home, just as Vernon did at the same stage of the tournament last season against Falkirk. You get the feeling that when Rooney is in the mood there really is no stopping him. We can't read into the result too much, as, no disrespect to Livingston, but we were simply a whole class above them last night and it would have been a major shock if we were to drop out of the competition at this early stage. The main thing to take from tonight's performance is that we are into the next round!
As much as the spotlight was on Aberdeen's number nine last night as he left the pitch clutching the ball, Goodwillie once again had a great game. His flick to set up the second goal of the evening was inventive and great to watch. The partnership that seems to be emerging between Rooney and Goodwillie is a promising one that will hopefully continue as the games continue to fly in. Goal scoring has certainly been a problem for us in recent years so could these two, be the ones to solve that? Only time, and goals, will tell!
We wait intently for the draw for the next round of the League Cup. Hibernian at home please!
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