Aberdeen Suffers First Defeat as St Mirren Ends Unbeaten Run: Thelin and Robinson Reflect

Jimmy Thelin insists that Aberdeen must enhance if they are to recover from their first William Hill Premiership loss of the season.

The Dons were overpowered in their 2-1 loss at St Mirren, a result that saw them fall three points adrift of Celtic in the title race.

There will be a short interval for Thelin’s men before they return to action, with a trip to face Hibernian up next on Tuesday night.

“It’s a long season, every opponent is formidable but we have to focus on ourselves and what we can develop from the St Mirren game,” the Aberdeen manager said.

“I’m not going to feel bad because we dropped one game, though we know in some parts of the game we have to be sharper.

“Even when you succeed, it’s another challenge. You have to respect your rival and prepare accordingly.

“It’s essential for us how we refine our character on the pitch.”

The travelling Aberdeen fans filled the away end at the SMISA Stadium and stayed behind after the full-time whistle to cheer their team off the field.

The encounter in Paisley was delayed by an hour, as volunteers worked relentlessly to clear snow from the surface.

Referee John Beaton gave the game the green light at 2:55pm, though the visitors began in a sluggish manner and deservedly fell behind to Toyosi Olusanya’s 20th minute strike.

“We were aligned, everybody wanted to play the match so we were happy when it started but not with the outcome,” he stated.

“It was a long journey for many people in poor conditions.

“The fans supported us the whole game and after it too – we wanted a good result for them.”

Thrilled Saints boss Stephen Robinson thinks he is finally getting the best out of Richard Taylor after the laid-back defender scored the winning goal to end Aberdeen’s unbeaten start.

The 24-year-old jumped to power home at the back post with seven minutes of the match remaining.

His boss believes he has all the qualities to go right to the top – but admitted he has had to have some stern words to guide him along the path.

Robinson explained: “We insisted on more from him, Richard has got absolutely everything.

“Sometimes his attitude is what holds him back but he’s got so many good physical traits.

“He should be achieving more and more goals that he’s started to add to his skills.

“He’s chilled, he’s relaxed but a lovely, lovely boy with so much potential – we believe he can play at a really elite level.”

Another area of the pitch that the Buddies boss is delighted with is their forward line, which caused all sorts of trouble for the Dons defence.

Olusanya took his total for the season to seven goals, while the likes of Conor McMenamin, Greg Kiltie and Elvis Bwomono were a constant menace.

“I think as an all-round display, our pressing was extraordinary at times,” Robinson added.

“It’s no wonder the three forwards get exhausted because I’m constantly yelling and shouting at them to keep pressing.”