91Èȱ¬

Aberdeen moved top of the Scottish Premiership with a deserved victory over St Johnstone.

David Goodwillie gave the Dons the lead with an overhead kick following Niall McGinn's pass and Aberdeen were strong throughout the first half.

Cammy Smith sealed the three points for the hosts with a late strike.

With Celtic's evening match against Partick Thistle called off due to a waterlogged pitch, Aberdeen move a point above the reigning champions.

The Dons also remain three points clear of Dundee United, who beat Dundee 6-2 earlier on Saturday. St Johnstone stay fifth but are now only two points ahead of Kilmarnock.

Expectant Aberdeen fans did not have long to wait for the opening goal as Goodwillie controlled McGinn's chipped cross on his chest and then sent an acrobatic effort from 10 yards past Alan Mannus. It was Goodwillie's first goal since early October.

Derek McInnes's side continued to press and Peter Pawlett's header then McGinn's shot were blocked by Mannus.

Goodwillie flashed a header wide before Jonny Hayes' long-range drive stung the palms of Mannus.

Aberdeen had the ball in the net again but Pawlett was denied a goal due to Goodwillie's handball earlier in the move.

Dons keeper Scott Brown had little to do in the first half but was alert to Steven Anderson's shot after the Saints defender tried to emulate Goodwillie's acrobatics at a corner.

Goodwillie and Pawlett linked well at the start of the second period, leading to a curling shot from the former that Mannus did well to keep out.

St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright sent on James McFadden and Gary McDonald in place of Steven MacLean and Lee Croft and the substitutes combined to good effect with one of the visitors' best chances.

McFadden crossed for McDonald to glance a header wide of target.

A 25-yard free-kick drew another save from Mannus but any nerves among the home fans were extinguished when Smith turned in Adam Rooney's cross from the right in stoppage time.