Craig Brown hails ‘inspirational’ finish as Steve Lomas refuses to blame keeper

ABERDEEN manager Craig Brown hailed Ryan Jack for his “inspirational” goal as the Dons triumphed 2-1 in difficult conditions at McDiarmid Park.

Jack fired home from around the centre spot after St Johnstone goalkeeper Peter Enckelman had fallen short with a clearance to put the Dons two up in the 79th minute.

The Scotland under-21 international, who formed a solid central midfield partnership with Kari Arnason, had a major part in Scott Vernon’s 14th-minute opener when Enckelman could only parry his 20-yard strike.

Aberdeen had a late scare when Marcus Haber headed home in injury-time after Andrew Considine was sent off when a foul on Sam Parkin earned him a second yellow, but they held on to move fourth bottom in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.

Brown said: “The result was good. We have played far better and lost games this season. I wasn’t delighted with the way we played but there were one or two pleasing things. The fact Ryan Jack did so well to create the first goal and the second was inspirational.

“It’s very difficult to do, score from the halfway line with no goalkeeper. Sometimes we try it in training and it’s difficult with no competition, so to do it in the heat of a game is excellent.”

Brown felt Considine was given a harsh second yellow card for a foul on Parkin, although he did praise referee Steven McLean for consulting with both clubs before allowing the game to go ahead despite the heavy rain and strong winds. I have seen it on television and it was a cleanly-won challenge from Andrew Considine,” said Brown, who also lost Youl Mawene to a knee injury. “We lose Andy for Saturday’s match, very, very unfortunately and unfairly.

“It’s a very, very cruel decision from a very good referee.”

St Johnstone manager Steve Lomas refused to blame the conditions or Enckelman.

Lomas said: “Obviously he is disappointed. He is a senior pro, he has held his hands up, but I have said to him ‘we win as a team and we lose as a team’.

“It’s unfortunate, it’s slippy conditions and credit to the lad for finishing it.

“But it’s not Peter Enckelman’s fault that we lost the game.”

The Northern Irishman added: “There are no excuses. It was difficult conditions but it’s the same for both sides.”