This season will go down as one of the more bizarre in Aberdeen's recent history.
After a remarkable winning start, there was an arguably even more remarkable winless run which has been followed by a more positive return to form.
In fact, the Dons will be happy to forget what happened in the middle if this is a campaign bookended by a couple of very favourable runs of results.
It's all about the destination, rather than the journey, for Dons fans. Securing their top-six status last weekend was one objective, albeit the very minimum objective , ticked off.
Now, it's all about chasing down a European place, and trying to secure third spot. On the evidence of what happened in Dingwall, manager Jimmy Thelin's side appear to be very well placed to mount a concerted challenge.
His squad has several key players missing through injury, but those who have stepped in to replace them have stepped up.
They look more assured at the back and have a cutting edge up front – a combination Thelin will be hoping can get them over the line.
