Shayden Morris says Aberdeen goal of the season contender hit him for six (2025)

The winger bagged a superb solo goal to hand his team all three points against Ross County in Dingwall

Shayden Morris admits the turn of pace that created a goal of the season contender took even him by surprise.

The winger’s explosive burst from within his own half ended with a spectacular strike in off the underside of the bar.

It was a magical moment, a true jaw-dropper that kept Aberdeen ’s hopes of claiming the riches of a prime Europa League third-place spot from Hibs burning brightly.

Morris, while a rare starter for the Dons, can do no wrong in the eyes of the Red Army who sang their ‘Shady Mo’ tribute song, to the tune of ‘Bella Ciao’, even before his flash of brilliance.

And at the end of the game, when a steward tried to stop a solo celebration in front of the delirious packed away end, Morris evaded the spoilers with the same stealth that he dodged Ross County defenders.

Morris said: “It was a really good day, brilliant. It’s right up there, one of the best, definitely. It’s a special goal, especially as it turned out to be the winner as well.

“It was quite a big distance but it happened so quickly. Literally within a second I was in front of goal and in my head I was thinking I want to get a shot off.

“That was my main target. I looked up and the keeper was very big so I just hit it as hard as I could and happily it went in.

“To celebrate in front of the fans made it even more perfect.

“That’s five goals now for the season and I am happy to be helping the team. But that one was the best goal of my career, definitely. It’s a nice feeling.”

There was talk from Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin post-match on how pleased he was with Morris’s development and mention of “dialogue” on a new deal beyond his current expiry date in summer 2026.

Morris said: “I have had to be really patient and I’ve always known that when I get my chance I need to make that count.

“I need to focus not only on attacking but also helping the team defensively. have been working really hard to keep my name on the team sheet.

“Hitting the back of the net has to be one of the best feelings and it’s one everyone loves experiencing, especially when it shows you that you can do it.

“It makes you want to go and do it again. It definitely boosts your confidence and I am in good spirits right now.

“I have always believed in my ability, but showing it sometimes has been difficult.

“But to put it out there going into the next game I know what I can do now so I’ll continue to try and bring that pace and strength.”

And as for his serenading by the Aberdeen faithful, Morris added: “The Shady Mo song is special for me, not knowing how this season was going to go.

“It’s really beautiful for me to hear it. I think I first heard the song at the beginning of the season but it was quieter than today. My family were at home watching on TV and they would have been going crazy.

“I feel there is a lot more to achieve. This is my third season now and it feels good to finally feel settled in.

“But I want to achieve something, to bring a cup home for the fans, and get back into Europe.

“So for me the hard work is not really finished yet until we get something at the end of it.”

County suffered a hefty pre-match blow with the announcement that influential midfielder Noah Chilvers would miss the rest of the season – and much of the rest of the year – with an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

The summer signing from Colchester’s ACL diagnosis came after an accidental clash with a team-mate in training on Thursday.

That gave the Staggies a forced change to make along with three others as they tried to revitalise their survival chances amid what is now a disappointing run of five games with only one goal scored.

The home side moved the ball with far greater purpose than the weekend before but the league’s lowest scorers couldn’t crack a rock solid away defence.

The game was beginning to flag in excitement when Morris struck after 33 minutes.

Running half the length of the field on the right, before cutting inside, the finish sent the away fans wild.

The Staggies re-emerged after the break in determined mood, hemming Aberdeen into their own third but kept hitting that red brick wall.

With frequent stoppages it all became a bit scrappy again but the Dons looked comfortable.

Kevin Nisbet saw a close-range effort saved by County keeper Jordan Amissah, and at the other end Jordan White’s overhead kick attempt spun harmlessly to Dons keeper Ross Doohan.

Home sub Ronan Hale went close at the death but the offside flag was raised.