Aberdeen top the Scottish Premiership for the first time in almost a decade after Kevin Nisbet's dramatic stoppage-time winner at Ross County gave them a ninth win in nine games under Jimmy Thelin.
Scotland international Nisbet, in his second appearance since signing on loan from Millwall, scored in the eighth minute of injury time.
How it took so long is a mystery, given the number of close calls before then.
County's Ronan Hale thought he had opened the scoring early in the first half when the ball ricocheted off his shin and trickled over the line.
However, his good fortune was short-lived as VAR stepped in to rule the goal out for offside. And there would be further disappointment for the striker when Dimitar Mitov saved his second-half penalty.
Aberdeen also had their moments, Slobadan Rubezic also being thwarted by VAR after he headed in a rebound from Vicente Besuijen’s free-kick.
The winger's effort struck the bar and bounced on the line before Rubezic’s follow-up did the same and, although referee Euan Anderson gave the goal, a lengthy VAR check determined another offside.
In the end, it didn't matter as Nisbet's composed finish ensured Aberdeen move above Celtic at the summit before the reigning champions play on Sunday.
Have Aberdeen found Miovski replacement?
Bojan Miovski was never going to be an easy man to replace but Aberdeen’s new number nine Nisbet could be the answer.
The 27-year-old was introduced as a first-half substitute, replacing Jamie McGrath who suffered a nasty head knock.
That prompted a tactical change which saw Pape Gueye move out to the left wing and Ester Sokler drop back into the number 10 position, before being replaced by Vincente Besuijen at half-time.
They immediately looked more of a threat and Nisbet netted his first in Aberdeen colours with a superb sweeping finish in the eighth minute of injury time.
The Scotland international scored 27 goals in this division during his time at Hibs and if he can replicate similar form then the Dons might have found their Miovski replacement.
Hale must catch fire to fill Murray's boots
County also lost their talismanic striker in the summer when Simon Murray moved to Dundee. The numbers tell you his goals have not been replaced.
He scored 23 on his own last season and County have managed just one league goal this term.
Hale was impressive during the League Cup group stages, but his last-minute equaliser against Dundee United three weeks ago is his and County’s only strike in the Premiership.
He was incredibly unlucky to be denied twice here, first by a marginal offside and the second to an exceptional penalty save.
However, Don Cowie needs his frontmen to catch fire if they are to avoid the drop again.
What they said
Ross County manager Don Cowie: "I'm really disappointed for the group. It was a really good team performance on the back of last week.
"It was a team that worked for each other, putting their bodies on the line and limited Aberdeen to very little.
"So to concede so late is a bit of a sickener, but I saw plenty of positives."
Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin: “We never give up. When Dimitar [Mitov] saved the penalty, that was a huge moment.
"I'm happy for team and the support who made it an amazing atmosphere. They gave the players the energy to push right to the last minute.
“But we need to stay humble. We can celebrate together today, but we have to keep working on Monday and focus on the next game."
