League Cup holders Aberdeen faced Scottish Cup holders St Johnstone, reports Voice’s Andrew Watson.
The Dons got off to a flying start 6 minutes into the game, with Niall McGinn chipping the ball to find David Goodwillie. He chested it before setting himself up for a spectacular overhead kick.
1-0 Aberdeen!
Peter Pawlett also struck the net soon after, but was denied a goal after officials deemed that Goodwillie had handled the ball in the lead up.
What followed was somewhat frustrating to watch. The home side, despite their dominance in the opposition’s box, couldn’t capitalise on their attacking play.
The visitors, however well they pinned back the Reds in their own half from time to time, lacked the incision to take that momentum into dangerous areas.
Goodwillie and Pawlett were then substituted on the 76 minute mark, replaced by Lawrence Shankland and Cammy Smith. Aberdeen then made their third and final change after 80 minutes. This was to take off McGinn and bring on Jeffrey Monakana.
It looked to be another tense one nil victory on the horizon, but Adam Rooney took McGinn’s role of provider unto himself to deliver a ball to the feet of Smith.
2-0 Aberdeen two minutes into the three minutes of injury time!
It’s refreshing to see Aberdeen spurn their recent identity as one of a team that grinds out results, often making the football less pleasing to watch. Goodwillie’s goal was also overdue, given his stature and potential.
Final score: 2-0.