ABERDEEN strengthened their hold at the top of the Premiership table with a 1-0 win over Hamilton at Pittodrie.
Adam Rooney scored a penalty in front of a 13,246 crowd to move the Reds five points clear of defending champions Celtic.
In pictures: Aberdeen FC 1-0 Hamilton
Aberdeen have now won the opening seven games of a league campaign for the first time, a new club record.
The previous best had been five opening games, set by Sir Alex Ferguson’s side in 1984 on the way to winning the title.
Liverpool right –back Ryan McLaughlin made an impressive Dons debut having signed on loan until January.
The 20-year-old Northern Ireland international came in for Shaleum Logan.
Anfield starlet McLaughlin was defensively solid and always looked to push forward to help out in attack.
It was one of two changes Dons boss Derek McInnes made to the staring line-up that defeated Celtic 2-1 on Saturday.
Goal hero Paul Quinn, who netted the late winner against the Hoops, dropped to the bench with Willo Flood coming in.
Winger Jonny Hayes was free to face Hamilton despite his straight red card against Celtic.
Aberdeen’s decision to appeal the sending off opened up Hayes to start against Accies.
Hamilton were first to threaten when Ali Crawford latched onto a loose Ash Taylor pass in the 10th minute but blasted high from 25 yards.
Visiting keeper Michael McGovern was called into action in the 18th minute to parry behind a swerving 20 yard-free kick from Niall McGinn. Soon after Adam Rooney headed wide as the Dons started to crank up the pressure.
Aberdeen grabbed the lead in the 23rd minute from the penalty spot when Graeme Shinnie was brought down by Ziggy Gordon as he burst past the full-back.
Prolific striker Adam Rooney calmly converted for his fifth goal in the last four Premiership games.
Lethal from the penalty spot Rooney has not missed a spot kick since signing on at Pittodrie in January 2014.
Moments later Rooney latched onto a Kenny McLean knock-down but his 25 yard volley was deflected straight to McGovern.
Aberdeen were pushing forward and McLean connected with a Hayes cross to direct a 15 yard header goal-wards. Again McGovern saved.
In the 55th minute Crawford prodded an effort wide of Ward’s far post.
A superb point-blank save denied Rooney as he latched onto a Ryan Jack cross on the hour mark.
His header was acrobatically palmed over by McGovern.
Hamilton’s Gramoz Kurtaj shot took a deflection that took it flashing past the far post in 666h minute.
From the corner Lucas Tagliapietra headed straight at Ward.
The woodwork denied the Reds in the 76h minute when McGinn’s vicious 18 yard strike on the turn had McGovern beaten only to crack off the crossbar.
A superb ball from Willo Flood released substitute Josh Parker in on goal in the 82nd minute.
The Red Star Belgrade loan striker delayed his shot, allowing McGovern to save.
Aberdeen faced a nervous final few minutes as they were down to 10 men with Ash Taylor off to receive treatment for a head knock.
All three substitutes had been used and Rooney covered at centre-back as the Dons held on to keep their 100% record intact.
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