Motherwell’s top six hopes were ended at Pittodrie, as Aberdeen ran out 3-1 winners in the Ladbrokes Premiership.
Goals from Max Lowe and Niall McGinn did the damage, despite Jake Hastie restoring parity shortly before half time.
Aberdeen’s opener came out of nowhere with four minutes gone. A harmless looking Max Lowe left-footed cross from the left sailed over everyone, including Mark Gillespie in the ‘Well goal, and into the top right corner of the net.
The hosts would create more chances as the visitors took time to grow into the game, but their equaliser would come with 10 minutes to play in the half.
Hastie had been threatening to try and get between defenders with runs inside, and Richard Tait picked him out perfectly after cutting inside from the left.
The forward still had work to do as he cut across from the right to left, rounding Joe Lewis and placing the ball home to make it 1-1.
Motherwell started brightly but with 10 minutes gone in the half were forced into a change after injury to goalkeeper Mark Gillespie.
A lengthy stoppage resulted in Rohan Ferguson making his first competitive appearance for the Steelmen, but he was powerless to prevent McGinn getting the Dons back in front soon after.
A weak shot from sub Greg Stewart ricocheted off Tom Aldred and unfortunately fell into the path of the Northern Irishman, who thundered the ball into the net from close range.
Cadden and Frear were introduced to try and spark more attacking play but Aberdeen stood firm in defence, and McGinn added the clincher in seven minutes of added time with a curling effort into the top right corner of the net, ending Motherwell’s faint top six hopes.