Jimmy Thelin can see progress at Aberdeen after long-awaited win

Aberdeen boss Jimmy Thelin insists he saw signs in Saturday’s 2-1 win at Dundee that his new-look team are really starting to connect.

The Dons finally ended their long wait for a Premiership win at the 15th time of asking against the Dark Blues at Dens Park thanks to goals from Kevin Nisbet and Topi Keskinen.

Thelin brought in six new players in January with the likes of Mats Knoester, Kristers Tobers, Jeppe Okkels and Alexander Jensen all playing their part in the much-needed victory.

Now Thelin is determined to build on the win and finish the campaign on a high.

He said: “Tomorrow we get back to working hard because we know nothing is done, the season is not over until May.

“We have won a game again, have three points again, and I think the team is growing. It’s really good, that is what we’re aiming for this season.

“There are still a lot of games to play so we have to keep working, keep the intensity up. It’s going to be really competitive until the end of the season.

“When the team is working it helps the players develop as individuals.

“I am happy with what the new signings have contributed because some are coming from pre-season, others are coming from other clubs and countries.

“We also have Pape Gueye who has come back from a difficult injury. The team is starting to connect, play better and better together.

“I am happy with the collective and it helps players look better as individuals also.”

Keskinen’s goal was a long-range stunner with Thelin admitting he was delighted for the player and also with the way his side reacted after Dundee quickly pulled one back through Seb Palmer-Houlden.

He added: “It was good for Topi to score a goal like that – it was amazing. It was also pleasing how we reacted to conceding the goal.

“It was nice to see we can stay in the game, do it together and get the three points.”

Dundee slipped to second bottom in the table following the defeat, but boss Tony Docherty insists he is still looking up.

He said: “Absolutely. Games are running out and we have to make sure there is a real collective responsibility to do more to win football matches.

“As you can see we are potent in front of goal and if we can get that balance about conceding goals then we will give ourselves a chance to win football matches and climb the table.”