Ex-Buddie Kenny McLean helped Aberdeen romp to victory against St Mirren at Pittodrie, remarks Voice reporter Andrew Watson.
The weather was mild and clear, but not as warm as one would think looking out the window prior to heading out to the game. Early on it seemed the Saints were going to make life difficult for the Dons.
They pressed the home side toe to toe and ball for ball, leaving little room for any creativity – a bit like Motherwell under Stuart McCall a few seasons back; lots of pressure, dominating and hard to match.
This, however, did not last long and Aberdeen soon found their rhythm.
A McLean corner found the head of Adam Rooney. The resulting ball was cleared off the line. Mark Reynolds then tested the keeper, who responded well. However, the ball came to McLean, again.
His back-heel found the feet of Peter Pawlett. Andrew Considine then added the decisive touch to the sequence, heading across goal for Rooney to bundle in.
1-0 Aberdeen with a goal 21 minutes in!
Before the break, there was much dominance from the home side. Despite this, St Mirren had some chances too. In other words, both sides failed to capitalise.
Come the second half though, it only took Aberdeen a few minutes to further their lead.
Niall McGinn did a power of work on the wing, but the ball delivered was slightly overcooked. It took McLean to bring it into a more fortuitous area. Rooney completed his brace, again from close range, after 48 minutes.
2-0 Aberdeen!
Reynolds was then in receipt of McGinn’s corner cross after 66 minutes.
3-0 Aberdeen with a header!
Pawlett came off for David Goodwillie two minutes later. Lawrence Shankland came on for Rooney, who really should’ve scored a hat-trick by that point, at 77 minutes. Willo Flood was then swapped for Barry Robson on the 84 minute mark.
One Saint who deserves a mention would be veteran and stalwart, Jim Goodwin. Perhaps not for the right reasons, though. He skied an attempt on goal, as his team pressed hard for a deserved solitary consolatory goal. No luck, Buddie.
“There’s only one Jim Goodwin, one Jim Goodwin!”
Or so the Red Army sang. Good stuff from the men in red, though I dare say they’re missing Jonny Hayes. Though assisting both Rooney’s goals, we’re yet to see the best of McLean, too.
Final score: 3-0.