The Dons took their goal tally to 15 in the Premier Sports Cup this term as they booked their passage to the knock-out phase with a 6-0 win over Dumbarton, and Jimmy Thelin was quick to praise the work ethic all over the pitch from his players.

“We know we have to win because we are the top team in this group, but it’s not easy. You always have to be professional. You have to have the right focus in the games. I think the players have done really, really well, how they refocus for every game. It was three games this week but there was still a lot of energy in this game today. And when we make the changes, everybody just keeps it going. Everybody follows our principles. I like what I see when they just keep going.

“Even at 4-0, they had a transition, but everybody was running back, trying to defend and have a clean sheet. I’m really happy how professional the players are. I think the team is starting to find each other and everybody is looking better.

“The whole season has to be an evolution of the team and that’s what we try to do in the long term. But we need to find ways to win during this time. Now we need to look at St Johnstone, what their skills, strength and weakness are. But we must still try to be Aberdeen and how we want to play and take the challenge.”

The Dons’ strikers looked sharp, as you’d. expect from a 6-0 win, but Jimmy pointed to some of the unseen work that they do to get themselves ready to take the chancres that come their way.

“The work Ester does on the training pitch is the important thing, every day he’s trying to improve himself and how he plays with the teammates. Of course, it’s important for his position to score. But also how he defends, how he sacrifices himself for the team.

“It’s always good for the strikers to score, but I don’t want to put pressure on him. It’s most important how he develops and grows as a player. Two great finishes, how he arrived in the box and how he kept the calmness in the situation is nice to see. It’s a really good quality he has there. You just need to give him good passes inside the box and he has to be there. So good work from him.

“It was good for Peter to score too. Like I said, I don’t want to say you have to score, but they have to show up and be there. But if you are a striker and you score, it’s always a good feeling, especially at a new club.

“Shayden did really well also. The last game, I think he was a little bit empty in the tank, he was quite tired. He’s a really explosive player. We played on Saturday, then it was Tuesday. Maybe it was a bit soon to use his qualities in that one. But today he was really, really good, between the lines and one against one. I was happy to see that.

“When I came here, I told everyone that it’s a new season, a new opportunity for everyone. We try to have open eyes, we need to look forward. Take your chance, work hard on the training sessions, and Shayden has done big improvements. I’m happy with that.”

Pittodrie was bathed in sunshine for the game and the unusual conditions helped create a great atmosphere around the stadium, something that Jimmy is keen to build on.

“It’s like we are on a journey together. Everyone, Aberdeen city, the fans, we want the same thing. It’s going well for Aberdeen Football Club in these four games but sometimes it’s more tough on the pitch and we need the support to win this extra duel. The extra inch on the pitch, the extra yard. Keep fighting. Everything is connected to bring success. We have to stay together and keep pushing each other.”

SPFL Trust Trophy Fixture | Banks O'Dee v Aberdeen XI