Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes prefers to focus on the positives after 2-0 win

Home fans were left fuming at referee Stephen Finnie's decision to award the visitors the lead in the 49th minute when Rooney appeared to control a pass from Kenny McLean with his arm before slotting home.

Nine minutes later McLean found the back of the net himself as the Dons secured their fifth successive league win, equalling a club record set in 1984 in a year they went on to be crowned champions of Scotland.

McInnes said: "I'm very pleased. That's our third away win out of five matches so far this season, though it was similar to last week against Dundee when we dominated the first half without scoring so we have got to find a way to get in front much earlier.

"I was surprised to find out that if we won today that would equal a club record but for me the sole motivation was to ensure we go into the international break with 15 out of 15 points.

"The squad is now better equipped than last season to cope with the demands the season will bring but we still have a lot to prove.

"Our next game is against a good Celtic side in a fortnight which we can now focus on.

"Pittodrie will be rocking, they'll be coming up to give us a slap in the face but I'm confident with the lads I have to choose from."

McInnes was also quick to highlight the contributions of several of his star performers including Danny Ward, goal scorer Rooney and man of the match Kenny McLean.

He said: "Normally to win away from home you need your goalkeeper and centre forward to be at their best and I thought both Danny Ward and Adam Rooney were excellent.

"I was not surprised at Danny making a brilliant save at 1-0, he did the same at Dundee United too a few weeks ago and so it was great to get another clean sheet today.

"And Kenny too was outstanding, we played him more in a reserved role this afternoon playing further back but he can still get forward and that's four goals he now scored for us this season which is great."

Following a lacklustre first half in which opportunities where limited at both ends, the visitors gained the initiative in the 49th minute through Rooney's strike which referee Finnie and his two assistants decided should stand despite the ball clearly striking the big Irish forward on the arm.

Aberdeen doubled their advantage nine minutes later when Tomas Cerny could only parry away a David Goodwillie effort into the path of the unmarked McLean who found the back of the Thistle net.

Partick boss Alan Archibald cut a frustrated figure, and said: "The big talking point was the goal, it changed it, it was a blatant handball.

"I said a few weeks ago against Celtic it's a grey area and it's hard for the referees.

"It's got to be a handball, it doesn't matter if it's deliberate or not, but we've lost a goal on the back of it and it's a sore one to take.

"(I am) delighted with the reaction afterwards, we still created chances against a top team.

"I tried to speak to the referee but they just left before I could, even the fourth official said nothing.

"I think we probably had the better chances in the game before they scored, but I'll take positives from the chances we created."

The Jags gaffer also confirmed that he may be dipping into the transfer market to beef up his squad with defender Frederic Frans now expected to be sidelined for a few weeks with a hamstring injury.

He said: "We need players in, we are especially short in the full-back areas so we will try and get something done before Tuesday."