Rooney treble sinks Livingston
A second-half Adam Rooney hat-trick ensured Aberdeen began their League Cup defence with a comprehensive win over Livingston at Pittodrie.
Ash Taylor gave the Dons an interval lead in an even first half but the holders took control after the break with Rooney ruthless in front of goal.
Aberdeen were quick out of the blocks and Rooney pounced on a loose ball to fire a low 20 yard shot at goal, which was saved, albeit unconvincingly, by Darren Jamieson.
Livingston looked edgy in the opening period and by the time they settled, they were a goal behind as Taylor headed the Dons in front in the eighth minute.
Nicky Low found Willo Flood with a short corner and the Irishman's deep cross was converted by the big defender, who rose at the back post to nod home.
The visitors' response was admirable though and Keaghan Jacobs saw a long-range effort beaten away by stand-in home goalkeeper Scott Brown.
John McGlynn's men then spurned a great opportunity in the 16th minute. A slick move resulted in Michael McKenna delivering a teasing low cross for Gary Glen but with the goal gaping, he failed to control the ball and it ricocheted for a goalkick.
Despite enjoying a decent spell of possession, Livi were fortunate not to fall further behind in the 28th minute as the hosts cut them open with some slick passing. Shay Logan threaded a ball through for Rooney who, after playing a clever one-two with David Goodwillie, saw his 12-yard shot well saved by Jamieson before sending the rebound over the crossbar.
Moments later, Jamieson came to Livi's aid again to keep out Rooney's close-range effort and then turned a Low strike behind for a corner as Aberdeen pressed for a second goal.
Jamieson's opposite number Brown was equally as impressive and made a superb diving save in the 35th minute to touch Glen's 18-yard drive behind for a corner, before tipping over Jordan White's rising shot.
Jamieson was called into action four minutes into the second half to smother Low's crisp drive from the edge of the penalty area and then Rooney appealed for a penalty for handball against Callum Fordyce.
Livi brought on Myles Hippolyte for David Robertson in the 57th minute and the substitute almost made an immediate impact but his 20-yard shot flew just wide of the target.
To add more solidity to the Dons defence, Andrew Considine replaced Low with Hayes pushed forward to his more accustomed role on the wing. The move paid dividends straight away as Derek McInnes' men doubled their lead in the 61st minute.
Hayes showed his pace and clipped the ball forward for Goodwillie, who knew exactly where his striker partner Rooney was when playing a neat back-heel. Rooney was alert and gave Jamieson no chance with a 14-yard shot which flew into the roof of the net.
The goal effectively killed the contest and Considine almost added a third soon after with a shot which deflected wide for a corner.
It was not all straightforward for Aberdeen though, with Ryan Jack having to be stretchered off after falling to the ground in pain. Barry Robson took his place in central midfield, while Cammy Smith came on for Goodwillie.
The Dons continued to carry a threat, however, and Rooney netted again in the 74th minute. He found space at the back post and beat Jamieson with a clinical finish, which nestled into the bottom corner.
The striker was not finished and made sure he went home with the match ball by tapping home from close range after impressive wing work from Hayes.
Source: PA
