Aberdeen have moved up two places to second in the Scottish Premiership courtesy of a comfortable 4-0 win over Partick Thistle.

Calvin Zola almost broke the deadlock for the hosts in the 16th minute when he managed to get a shot away after a good move, but Scott Fox made a fine low save.

There was nothing Fox could 10 minutes later, however, as Niall McGinn gave Aberdeen the lead with a well-struck free kick.

McGinn was again involved in Aberdeen's second goal, playing the ball to Peter Pawlett, who crossed for Zola to finish five minutes before half time.

The hosts virtually secured the win shortly after the hour mark when Michael Hector extended their lead to three goals with a fine strike from 25 yards.

Partick nearly made an incredible response to the third goal when Kallum Higginbotham shot straight from kickoff, but his effort from the halfway line clattered off the Aberdeen crossbar.

The Dons capped off the scoring five minutes from time when Hector turned provider by setting up McGinn for his second goal of the night.