Aberdeen came away from Perth with a convincing 3-0 victory against a poor St Johnstone outfit whose appalling defensive deficiencies summed up their limp campaign.

Two goals from precocious youngster Darren Mackie in the first half followed by a strike by Arild Stavrum sunk Saints.

But in reality this was insipid end-of-season fare and a sorry reflection on the SPL decision to split the table in two.

At least for Aberdeen they're now beginning to pick up points away from home and although this result had no real significance it at least gives manager Ebbe Skovdahl an opportunity to see his young team become a unit for next season.

The opening period of the first half was lacking in any drama whatsoever and although Saints had a couple of half-hearted attempts on goal it was rather a surprise for the 3,611 attendance that the Dons took the lead in the 24th minute.

Jamie McAllister crossed from the left, Gary Bollan hesitated and Mackie pounced to poke the ball under the advancing Alan Main for an unexpected goal.

Saints seemed to wilt at this smash and grab raid and they were further damaged when, on the stroke of half-time, Aberdeen went two up.

From another long ball defender Jim Weir appeared to be illegally challenged by Stavrum but referee Mike McCurry allowed play to continue and Mackie was again was on hand to tuck a shot under Main.

Aberdeen began the second half as they finished the first, taking advantage of the continual slackness of Saints' defence.

In the 49th minute Stavrum powered a right foot shot just wide as the Granite City men grew in confidence, with Saints unable to respond.

Even though manager Sandy Clark made a double substitution, sending on Nathan Lowndes and John McBride for Paul Hartley and Sylla it was without any tangible reward.

Aberdeen's youngsters looked composed and confident although Mackie missed a great opportunity to crown a wonderful afternoon in the 77th minute. Ross O'Donoghue sent him clear but he blazed high over the bar.

A minute later it was all over though. Stavrum managed to nip in between Stuart McCluskey and Weir and he punished their slackness by scoring from close range.

The defeat keeps Saints firmly in the bottom half of the table and the signs are ominous for Clark if his team are going to be regularly dismantled like this in the new season.