Aberdeen cruise past Hamilton Academical to close in on leaders Celtic

Aberdeen have kept alive the pressure on Celtic at the top of the Scottish Premiership table courtesy of a 3-0 win away at Hamilton Academical.

The Dons were ahead inside six minutes thanks to Andrew Considine's strike, which came about after Michael McGovern parried the ball into his path.

Ryan Jack doubled the visiting side's advantage just two minutes later when he headed home Niall McGinn's cross at the front post.

Considine turned provider as the first half wore on, picking out Shaleum Logan inside the area for a headed chance which the defender failed to convert.

Hamilton added some pressure of their own soon after through Stephen Hendrie and Jason Scotland, neither of whom were able to find a way through with their shots.

Aberdeen felt that they should have been awarded a third goal prior to half time when Adam Rooney's strike appeared to cross the line, although the officials disagreed and opted to wave play on.

A red card issued to Jesus Garcia Tena made Accies' task that little bit more difficult, and having pushed on to make the man advantage count Aberdeen once more had a goal ruled out after Consadine was adjudged to have fouled a defender in the build-up.

Incredibly, a third Dons goal was then flagged off when David Goodwillie converted only to find himself in an offside position, meaning that Hamilton still had a glimmer of hope in the final stages.

That was until McGinn superbly placed the ball beyond McGivern when played through one-on-one, coolly converting to round off the scoring two minutes from time at New Douglas Park.

Derek McInnes's men are now back to within three points of leaders Celtic at the top, while Hamilton remain in fifth.