Sivert Heltne Nilsen scored his first goal for Aberdeen
Aberdeen put their stuttering start to the league season behind them as goals from Sivert Heltne Nilsen, Kusini Yengi and Leighton Clarkson helped sweep aside Greenock Morton and set up a Premier Sports Cup quarter-final tie at home to Motherwell.
Jimmy Thelin's side had come into the match reeling from back-to-back Premiership defeats to Hearts and Celtic, but were in complete control throughout at Cappielow.
Morton did well to limit Aberdeen's attacking threat in the opening half hour, only to be undone from a set-piece as Nilsen stole in at the front post to meet Adil Aouchiche's corner with a lovely glancing header.
The Dons soon doubled their advantage. Shayden Morris drove at the defence and let fly with a shot that James Storer in the Morton goal could only parry. Nicholas Milanovic reacted first to square for Yengi to tap into the empty net.
The Australian has made an unconvincing start to life as an Aberdeen player, but the big striker showed signs he was finding his feet with some neat touches, good link-up play and a bit of physical presence.
Morton played themselves into trouble after the break to allow Topi Keskinen in on goal, but Storer was out to make the block and then reacted brilliantly to deny Fletcher Boyd's follow-up.
Aberdeen rounded off a dominant display with a fabulous third. Keskinen carved open the Morton defence with a beautifully-judged ball through for substitute Clarkson, who coolly chipped the ball over Storer and into the net.
- Published14 August
- Published17 August
What they said
Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin: "We have a lot of fans here again today, and it's always important you give everything when you put on the shirt.
"I'm happy with how we attacked. It was clearer, I think the players got better and better timing with each other. And then when the timing is there, it's easier to play football, of course."
Morton manager Dougie Imrie: "Aberdeen deserved the 3-0 victory, I thought they were outstanding.
"We just never gave them enough to think about, and that was probably my biggest disappointment today. But this won't define our season."
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