DONS ARE GOING THE DISTANCE

Thelin hails 'real asset' Kev for belting winner in race for 3rd

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JIMMY THELIN praised Kevin Nisbet for ending Hibs’ unbeaten run and putting Aberdeen right into the heart of the battle for third spot.

The Scotland striker produced a moment of magic to control the ball and volley into the top corner for this game's only goal.

It proved to be a lucky 13th of the season as his strike drew the Dons level with their Easter Road rivals and also ended their 17-game unbeaten run.

Boss Thelin beamed: “Yes, it ‘was a super goal. Just the idea to find a way to take a shot in this situation and the quality he has at this moment.

“He has scored some similar goals this season before so he’s a real asset for us when the games are so tight.

“You need your scorers in these moments.”

Thelin saw his team book their place in the Scottish Cup Final with a win over Hearts last weekend and they made it a capital double yesterday.

The Swede is pleased with the way his players are dealing with the pressure and expectations coming into a vital part of the season.

He said: “Yeah, I think the way this game at home was a game with a lot of pressure and we learned a lot from this.

“Then we have the semi-final against Hearts and the trust the players show in each other and trying to be consistent into the games. They try to trust the way we play and each other.

“I think they acted really well also against Hearts.