Stephen Glass defended the Aberdeen fans who spilled onto the pitch to celebrate Jack MacKenzie's stoppage-time winner against Livingston.

The young left-back's shot was fumbled into the net by Livingston goalkeeper Max Stryjek to earn the visitors a thrilling Scottish Premiership win.

Bruce Anderson gave Livi the lead, but Teddy Jenks' first goal for Aberdeen levelled before MacKenzie struck late.

"It's been pent up for a year and a half," Glass told BBC Scotland.

"Any time there's a last-minute winner at any club, you see supporters on the pitch. In this environment it's probably more so.

"I think there's unbelievable restraint if that doesn't happen. If you see another last minute winner across the country over the next few days you'll see a similar reaction."

The dramatic late victory gives a makeshift Aberdeen side a lift before Thursday's Europa Conference League tie with Iceland's Breidablik.

However, Jonny Hayes and Jack Gurr both hobbled off and they, along with Lewis Ferguson who missed the win, could be injury doubts for the third qualifying round second leg tie at Pittodrie, with Aberdeen leading 3-2 from the first leg.

With Aberdeen battling on two fronts domestically and in Europe, manager Glass put his trust in his fringe players with six changes.

Remaining in the XI was Jay Emmanuel-Thomas on his return to his old club. He had scored three goals in the last two meetings of these sides but it was another man facing his old club who threatened to steal the show.

Anderson had been deemed surplus to requirements at Pittodrie in summer after failing to impress both Glass and his predecessor Derek McInnes. But he terrorised the visitors' defence in the first 45 minutes.

He first announced he was in the mood when he outpaced Declan Gallagher to a long ball, but dragged his shot wide. Then, after Jackson Longridge tested Dons keeper Joe Lewis, Anderson scored the goal he craved.

Lewis was left stranded as the 22-year-old beat him to James Penrice's header, and nodded the ball over him and into the net.

And Livingston could have doubled their lead with Anderson pivotal again; driving at Gallagher before squaring to Scott Pittman, who should have done better with a weak effort at Lewis.

But, a different Aberdeen emerged after the break, and within minutes they were level. Longridge's clearance from a Niall McGinn cross was straight to the feet of Jenks. The on-loan Brighton midfielder took the shot on first time from the edge of the box and nestled it inside the near post.

Play swung from end-to-end in a scrappy and sometimes feisty game. Only the goalline intervention of Ryan Hedges stopped Ayo Obileye restoring Livingston's lead, while Jack Hamilton also shot wide for the hosts.

Craig Sibbald was fortunate not to receive a second yellow card after careering into MacKenzie, and manager David Martindale wasted no time in taking the midfielder off before he made another error of judgement.

Livingston continued to look the more likely to find a winner. Jack Fitzwater headed over at the near post and Jason Holt forced a save from a tight angle.

But instead it was Aberdeen who found the net in stoppage-time when MacKenzie had a go from distance and Stryjek allowed the ball to slip through his fingers to spark wild scenes.

Man of the match - Jack MacKenzie

What did we learn?

Aberdeen have made key signings, but still look short up front. With Christian Ramirez benched, no-one in red appeared able to make their presence felt in the opposition box.

However, they have found two gems at full-back with the rested Calvin Ramsay and left-back Mackenzie real bright spots of their season so far.

The result will be a real blow to a Livingston side who more than deserved a point. One positive is the form of Anderson, who has now made it three goals in six games.
What did they say?

Livingston manager David Martindale: "It's really, really difficult to take. Max has made a mistake but we all take it on the chin and move on together. I'm actually gutted for the boy. The boys are in there trying to pick him up.

"I'll definitely be making one signing tomorrow and potentially two during the week, so that will really strengthen the group."

Aberdeen manager Stephen Glass: "It was a bit more stressful than entertaining, but you score a winner late on like that, you're delighted. The players that came in produced the goods and got the win.

"You're 1-0 down away to Livingston, you can feel sorry for yourselves after the travelling from the European game, but you saw a group of players who are determined to win games. It's a special win for us."
What's next?

Aberdeen host Icelandic side Breidablik in Thursday's Europa Conference League third qualifying round second leg (19:45 BST), before travelling to Raith Rovers on Sunday in the League Cup (12:00). Livingston are also in League Cup action and are at home to St Mirren on Saturday (15:00).