Aberdeen stole a 2-0 interval lead against St Johnstone with two intelligent finishes by promising youngster Darren Mackie at McDiarmid Park.

Throughout much of the first half Aberdeen seemed fairly disinterested and lacked any creative force.

However, after 24 minutes, they stole an unexpected lead.

From Jamie McAllister's speculative long pass from the left, Darren Mackie picked the ball up and, as Bollan pulled back from a challenge, the young striker was able to prod the ball under the advancing Alan Main for an unexpected opening goal.

A minute later, Saints midfielder Sylla was cautioned for a reckless challenge on Darren Young.

The remainder of the half was largely best forgotten, until the stroke of the interval when Aberdeen shocked Saints again with a second goal.

From a hopeful long ball, Norwegian striker Arild Stavrum appeared to impede defender Jim Weir, and to the surprise of the home fans referee Mike McCurry waved play on for the ball to run loose to Mackie.

The youngster again showed a cool head to deliver a composed finish tucking the ball under the luckless Main.