Kevin Nisbet scored a hat-trick as Aberdeen came from behind to beat Queen of the South in the Premier Sports Cup.
Player-manager Nicky Clark fired the hosts in front at Palmerston Park, taking advantage of some sloppy defending after an enterprising run from Liam Smith.
However, the Dons were level by half-time as Nisbet tucked away a penalty after a trip on Lewis Smith.
Nisbet then struck twice inside two minutes to make sure the Dons top Group A with three wins from three.
The striker nodded in a corner from Stuart Armstrong then flicked home a flashing low cross from Brad Lyons at the front post.
Lyons then claimed his first Dons goal with a thumping header from a late corner.
Aberdeen complete their group fixtures at home to Kelty Hearts on Saturday.
