The dominant Dons could and should have won more handsomely but it was a welcome three points for Derek McInnes’ side.
Aberdeen passed up a string of chances throughout the opening 45 minutes.
James Wilson should have opened the scoring after just six minutes after a neat move involving Lewis Ferguson and Shay Logan, but the former Manchester United forward was denied by goalkeeper Luke Southwood.
Funso Ojo returned to the Dons’ starting XI after three months out with a hamstring injury, and he could have been celebrating his return to the side with a goal, only for his effort to deflect off Johnny Hunt and over the crossbar.
Niall McGinn’s superb turn set up another opening for the home side just before the half-hour, but he was perhaps too greedy in taking on a shot himself and the effort was blocked before Ryan Hedges’ follow-up effort deflected to the goalkeeper.
Hamilton’s only chance of the opening period saw Aaron McGowan head wide, but Aberdeen were quickly back on the attack and McGinn was again wasteful as his shot from Wilson’s pass was straight at Southwood.
McInnes’ side had to wait until eight minutes after the interval to break the deadlock as McGinn’s cross from the left was stroked home by Cosgrove at the back post.
However, things were not completely going the way of Aberdeen, with defender Greg Leigh forced off through injury just before the break, and Ojo replaced for the start of the second half.
Having taken the lead, their final substitution saw midfielder Dean Campbell replace Hedges, with the home side content to settle for a 1-0 win rather than chasing goals.
While they remained the more likely to score, clear-cut chances were at a premium for both sides in the second half, despite Hamilton throwing on strikers David Mayo and Marios Ogkmpoe in a bid to find the leveller.
Aberdeen had a late claim for a penalty waved away by referee Willie Collum as they claimed for a handball as Cosgrove was crowded out in the area.
McInnes said “Firstly, it was good to win the game and take the points. I’ve looked back at the chances in the first half. We had three or four gilt-edged chances, but their goalkeeper has made good saves, so it’s hard for me to be too critical.
“We were up against a team who were spirited and trying to do well for their manager, so we had to break down their resolve. The best way to do that is to take chances, and we didn’t do that in the first half.
“We never ever blew Hamilton away, but we still in charge of the game. I’d like to have scored more goals, to make the game more convincing, but there’s plenty of positives today.”
Hamilton boss Brian Rice feels his side are doing well, but are missing a bit of luck that would give them a platform to build on.
He said “It’s similar to a few games recently – against Rangers and Celtic. We’ve stayed in the game and kept going to the end, but we just can’t get a wee break and it’s just the way it’s been the last few weeks.
“I feel for the boys in the dressing room. I’m disappointed for the lads. They’ve given everything they’ve got and it’s fine margins. A goal here and there. There’s three games before the winter break and we need to start picking up points.”
Hamilton sit bottom, with 12 points from 18 outings, level on points with Hearts. Aberdeen are third, six points behind second-placed Rangers.
Aberdeen 1-0 Hamilton Academical
The dominant Dons could and should have won more handsomely but it was a welcome three points for Derek McInnes’ side.
Aberdeen passed up a string of chances throughout the opening 45 minutes.
James Wilson should have opened the scoring after just six minutes after a neat move involving Lewis Ferguson and Shay Logan, but the former Manchester United forward was denied by goalkeeper Luke Southwood.
Funso Ojo returned to the Dons’ starting XI after three months out with a hamstring injury, and he could have been celebrating his return to the side with a goal, only for his effort to deflect off Johnny Hunt and over the crossbar.
Niall McGinn’s superb turn set up another opening for the home side just before the half-hour, but he was perhaps too greedy in taking on a shot himself and the effort was blocked before Ryan Hedges’ follow-up effort deflected to the goalkeeper.
Hamilton’s only chance of the opening period saw Aaron McGowan head wide, but Aberdeen were quickly back on the attack and McGinn was again wasteful as his shot from Wilson’s pass was straight at Southwood.
McInnes’ side had to wait until eight minutes after the interval to break the deadlock as McGinn’s cross from the left was stroked home by Cosgrove at the back post.
However, things were not completely going the way of Aberdeen, with defender Greg Leigh forced off through injury just before the break, and Ojo replaced for the start of the second half.
Having taken the lead, their final substitution saw midfielder Dean Campbell replace Hedges, with the home side content to settle for a 1-0 win rather than chasing goals.
While they remained the more likely to score, clear-cut chances were at a premium for both sides in the second half, despite Hamilton throwing on strikers David Mayo and Marios Ogkmpoe in a bid to find the leveller.
Aberdeen had a late claim for a penalty waved away by referee Willie Collum as they claimed for a handball as Cosgrove was crowded out in the area.
McInnes said “Firstly, it was good to win the game and take the points. I’ve looked back at the chances in the first half. We had three or four gilt-edged chances, but their goalkeeper has made good saves, so it’s hard for me to be too critical.
“We were up against a team who were spirited and trying to do well for their manager, so we had to break down their resolve. The best way to do that is to take chances, and we didn’t do that in the first half.
“We never ever blew Hamilton away, but we still in charge of the game. I’d like to have scored more goals, to make the game more convincing, but there’s plenty of positives today.”
Hamilton boss Brian Rice feels his side are doing well, but are missing a bit of luck that would give them a platform to build on.
He said “It’s similar to a few games recently – against Rangers and Celtic. We’ve stayed in the game and kept going to the end, but we just can’t get a wee break and it’s just the way it’s been the last few weeks.
“I feel for the boys in the dressing room. I’m disappointed for the lads. They’ve given everything they’ve got and it’s fine margins. A goal here and there. There’s three games before the winter break and we need to start picking up points.”
Hamilton sit bottom, with 12 points from 18 outings, level on points with Hearts. Aberdeen are third, six points behind second-placed Rangers.