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Tales From The Dugout: David Innes Reviews

Nov 102015

By David Innes.

My direct exposure to pitchside relationships is limited to coaching and refereeing kids’ games, and believe me, on occasions that could be unpleasant enough.

Ratchet what’s at stake up to professional level, with bonuses, credibility and even continued employment at stake, and it’s little wonder that Richard Gordon has chosen “the sharp end” to describe the passionate, angry, expletive-laden horn-locking that goes on in the innocent-sounding “technical area”.

The germ of the idea for the book was planted in the author’s head when interviewing Gordon Strachan, no less, for a previous book, and Sportsound’s anchor man has amassed a collection of anecdotes from those involved – managers, coaches, referees – the tenor of which will be familiar to anyone who finds themselves, caught in the moment in the stands, transforming from mild-mannered, responsible citizen, in a split second, into a frothing, fulminating, cursing Mr Hyde.

Guilty as charged.

Whilst there’s always the in-joke dressing room banter element to a number of these tales, there are also many genuine laugh-out-loud moments. The laughter is often in surprise at the identity of the narrator.

Who would have thought that outwardly-respectable Aberdeen alumni like John McMaster, Billy Stark, Scott Booth, and especially ex-gaffer Alex Smith, are capable of moments of frustrated irrationality, or that several of Scotland’s leading referees deploy clever psychological humour to defuse verbal conflict about to escalate into physical exchanges? Examples? Oh, all right then.

Referee Kenny Clark, when he was fourth official as the Dons were being routed by Motherwell,

“Ebbe turns to me and says, ‘I want to make a substitution’. I remind him I need the…numbers of the players going on and coming off so that I can input them into my electronic board. He…returns with the sheet, but it’s only got the number of the player he wants to put on. I tell him I need to know who he wants subbed off, and he replies, ‘You pick. They’re all pish’.”

Alex Smith (manager of Stirling Albion),

“We were playing Queens Park at Hampden and I was watching from the stand. Things weren’t going well, and I was getting angrier and angrier, so I decided to make a change. I ran down the stairs…and jumped into the dugout shouting, ‘Get Willie Irvine off, get him off’.

“I found myself face-to-face with the Queens Park coach, Eddie Hunter, who…didn’t take kindly to me having got into the wrong one. ‘Get the fuck out of my dugout!’ was all he said. So I jumped back on to the track and ran along to our own one to make the substitution and I hear a couple of Albion fans from just behind calling out, ‘Aye and you can fuck off out of that one as well Smith!’”

And there are hundreds more, giving insight to the pressures, dangers and humour (once it’s died down) of situations that really shouldn’t occur. After all, it’s only a game, isn’t it? Aye, right.

For your Christmas list, I think.

TALES FROM THE DUGOUT Football At The Sharp End by Richard Gordon

Black & White Publishing
ISBN 978-1-84502-989-0
208pp
£9.99

Aberdeen 2 Dundee United 0 – Pittodrie Stadium 07.11.15

Opinion, Sport No Responses »

Nov 082015

Aberdeen regained that winning feeling against New Firm rivals Dundee United, quips Voice’s Andrew Watson.

The weather was dreich and it was spitting with rain. Light rain but very wet. Was looking to be a messy, sliding and slippy encounter. There was also to be dedication to late teenager Bailey Gwynne.

The build up to the game didn’t really differ much to any other, though it was perhaps apt:

“Right here/
Right now”

Fatboy Slim – Right Here, Right Now

Not much to the song, lyrics-wise, but the delivery seemed perfect for some confrontational New Firm fisticuffs. Mascot Angus the Bull was even firing up the young supporters in the Merkland Stand; and those in the corner of the Main Stand, too.

Closer to kick-off, AC/DC’s ‘Thunder’ boomed through the speakers. It was hoped the only thunder that afternoon would be the endeavour of the Dons in pursuit of winning ways.

The fixture attracted a decent crowd despite the recent run in question. Fitting, you’d suppose, given that there was to be a minute’s silence for the follow day’s Remembrance Sunday.

Aberdeen started well, with an inviting ball put out for a corner. No early goal, though.

Down the other end of the pitch keeper Danny Ward was twice forced to come out between the sticks. First to lump out the ball from danger, and second for a hasty catching of the ball.

Back up again Adam Rooney, via throw in, reached Kenny McLean but the latter was snuffed out before he could progress into the danger area.

Shaleum Logan was then chopped down for a free kick. Jonny Hayes floated in the ball too close to United’s keeper, who grasped for safety.

Later Graeme Shinnie came in with a driving run but lost ball. Play continued via teammates and the ball really should’ve been in the back of the net.

Willo Flood, as ever it seems in this fixture against his former team, showed battling spirit to earn a deflection and goal kick for his side.

Not long after, a Dundee United attack was smothered just before one on one with Ward.

After sixteen minutes of play, there was a minute’s applause for 16 year-old Bailey Gwynne.

Then Tangerines’ stopper Michal Szromnik caught a potentially costly deflection.

Shinnie then got a ball into the opposition’s box, going out for a corner.

Aberdeen, generally speaking, seemed to be focusing on possession rather than incision. Passing the ball sideways and backwards and just happy enough to keep the ball.

Ex- Arabs’ man Flood tried one from distance, but no cigar.

Someone with a bit of hunger, Logan, was seen patting away the linesman, as the latter harried him to take his throw on the right spot. His ball then went out for a corner.

The Tannadice men then had a dipping effort go out for a corner.

Flood conspired with Hayes for a set piece. The former put in a good ball, but to no end.

Aberdeen, in attacking terms, were seeking to control the ball in tight situations instead of going for the first touch. That combined with a counterproductive emphasis on possession made for some frustrating viewing.

Captain Ryan Jack was caught looking for a foul, and with play continuing Aberdeen were fortunate to diffuse the ensuing attack.

Not long after they then had to clear their lines and were fortunate, in turn, to not be a goal down.

Flood was unlucky with some determined work into the box, but was caught with a key, intercepting tackle.

There was then a big cheer in the away end as Dundee United earned one of their first corners of the game. Then they were almost one on one, but shot wide.

It became McLean’s turn to seek a foul and claim unsuccessfully. The potential ramifications though weren’t as grave as that of Jack’s instance.

Halftime was called right as the Dons delivered into their New Firm rival’s box. The Red Army were left wondering why time wasn’t called when the ball was in a more neutral position.

Come the second half Hayes persisted as danger man. His cross starting the half, however, was caught by Szromnik.

His defence mopped up a subsequent corner.

The Dons defence was then lucky that the recalcitrance of former skipper Mark Reynolds to make a challenge was rewarded with a poor headed effort by United.

The moment the Reds were hoping for finally came with Rooney exploiting a busy box. This shut up a very rowdy Tangerines’ crowd.

1-0 Aberdeen after 52 minutes!

Afterwards Hayes sent in yet another perfectly weighted and dangerous ball, almost resulting in a second goal.

Later Aberdeen broke free, but were eventually shut down.

Dundee United almost foiled the home side with a low drive just past the hands of Ward and his post on the bottom corner.

McLean lofted a ball to Shinnie, but the latter’s first touch controlling the ball was a poor one.

Not long after he also seemed to go down a bit softly, earning a free kick. The opportunity, however, was left unexploited.

Dundee United were making hard work of Aberdeen’s bid for a second goal, and an instance of their defending in the box was exemplary. Talk about putting your head on the chopping block. Kamikaze commitment was one way of putting it.

Again, Aberdeen were scared of first touch; not knowing when to pull the trigger.

United then had a close one in the attack. This one almost shaved the opposite post, this time.

Another away attack was staved with a Peter Pawlett header. A subsequent attack, however, wasn’t deal with so good. Confusion and hesitance were in abundance, and still they were let off the hook.

Hayes responded with a superb run right down towards the box of the opposition, driving a low and powerful shot into the bottom far corner.

2-0 Aberdeen in 73 minutes!

He then had a little disagreement, back outside his own box, with Shinnie as to who should be marking who. They left a free man, but thankfully didn’t pay for it.

McLean was then substituted seven minutes after goal. He was replaced by Barry Robson. Niall McGinn then came on for Pawlett.

Hayes then attempted a top corner effort, though unsuccessfully. Later he was callously shoved off the ball after outplaying his opponent with a fine piece of skill. He deservedly won Man of the Match.

United came in late with a laughable, speculative shot on goal. They skied it.

The home side, in the latter minutes, mopped up an advance rather poorly and were lucky to get away with it.

Aberdeen then made their third and final change after 90 minutes. This was to take off Hayes and bring on Liverpool loanee Ryan McLaughlin.

Final score: 2-0.

Aberdeen 1 Motherwell 1 – Pittodrie Stadium 24.10.15

Opinion, Sport No Responses »

Oct 252015

Aberdeen couldn’t capitalise on the luck they had going ahead in this game, and ended up with only one point, remarks Voice reporter Andrew Watson.

In the build-up to the game it looked like miserable weather for a potentially miserable spectacle.
Fortunately the conditions warmed and cleared up slightly.
Aberdeen almost threatened early on, with winger Jonny Hayes delivering an inviting cross into the box, but beaten by a good diving defensive header.

Conversely, it took a sliding Shaleum Logan to deny Motherwell a good chance on goal.

There was a good cross put out for a corner for the Reds, though Motherwell cleared for an unsuccessful counter attack.

Some lax defensive work almost saw Adam Rooney snap up the ball just outside the Motherwell box, but keeper Connor Ripley recovered the fumbled ball and picked it up.

Down the other end, Aberdeen’s man between the sticks, Danny Ward, then made an excellent diving effort as a shot just went wide.

Dogged defending by the Steelmen denied Peter Pawlett as he launched a powerful run into their box.

There was also some good linkup play from the Dons, but Logan’s cross into the final third fell short.

Motherwell came agonisingly close afterwards, beating an outstretched Ward but still going just wide.

The aforementioned Logan was unfortunate not to get a free kick for high feet. Credit to him, though, no complaints.

The Fir Park men broke free, but the ball was put out.

Hayes threatened, doing well to beat his man. However, he seemingly opted for an impossible shot at an impossible angle, instead of simply making the pass with a cutback.

Again Hayes was involved in the next run of play, with some good linking with Niall McGinn. The latter making an incisive pass to the former, only for the former to overcook his finish. Easily best chance of the game so far.

Switching halves, Ward almost undid his good work leaping for a high ball by dropping his save. Thankfully picked it up in time, though.

The stalemate was then broken, with Logan winning a free kick due to a poor challenge. Rooney headed down a ball that then deceived the keeper with a wicked bounce that went in for a goal.

1-0 Aberdeen after 43 minutes!

Captain Ryan Jack then had an impressive half volley effort go above the crossbar by not too great a height. Not much happened between that and half time.

Opening the second half was a Motherwell attack, though this was only a tame headed effort saved comfortably by Ward.

Pawlett then comfortably shrugged off ‘Well’s captain Keith Lasley but the Dons were then dispossessed. The latter was then taken off.

Aberdeen came close, just over the bar. Motherwell came close, just chalked for offside.

The Reds then got painfully close with good play between Rooney and Hayes, the former playing provider instead of taker. Hayes had it bobbling just past the post. Agonising.

The ball did eventually cross the line, but Mark Reynolds’ effort was deemed offside.

Motherwell’s Scott McDonald then came on the pitch. This was to prove decisive towards the game’s conclusion. Until then, the Red Army marvelled at Pawlett’s spectacular overhead effort that just went over the bar.

It became apparent that Ashton Taylor was struggling with some form of back pain, but was soldiering on. However, Paul Quinn came on for Taylor come the 70 minute mark.

Pesky Pawlett then got almost clear on goal, his low driving effort just wide.

Three minutes after that substitution, Motherwell hit back. McDonald dived to head past Ward. He turned to the Main Stand, goading the Aberdeen support.

1-1.

Not long after this Aberdeen had a good effort almost take a fortuitous deflection, but the errant ball was caught by Ripley.

After 80 minutes Pawlett came off for David Goodwillie.

Hayes drove into the box but the angle was too tight to beat Ripley.

The only joy post-Rooney-goal for the Dons support was when Graeme Shinnie put McDonald on his backside with a gamely shoulder barge. They erupted with derision.

Ripley reared again with an amazing fingertip save, catlike reflexes. His opposite number, Ward, pulled off similar heroics, too.

Near the death McGinn was substituted for youngster Ryan McLauglin.

Ward then made another decisive stop, earning his side a point. It’s all they deserved.

With the last chance of the game Hayes almost turned things around, though nobody tagged onto his searching pass.

Final score: 1-1.

Aberdeen 1 St Johnstone 5 – Pittodrie Stadium 03.10.15

Opinion, Sport No Responses »

Oct 042015

When Aberdeen clawed one back it looked to be an exciting game ahead, but they went on to lose heavily to St Johnstone, reports Voice reporter Andrew Watson.

It was notable that ex-Don Joe Shaughnessy didn’t receive a frosty reception when his name was called out for the starting eleven. Maybe he enjoyed a level of anonymity only finally unveiled when he scored that second goal, mind.

The first came only after five minutes. To be fair, it was a good diving effort by keeper Danny Ward.

He dived full body, the goal seemingly passing between his two outstretched hands.

0-1 (Brian Easton).

The aforementioned shocker delivered by ex-Red Shaughnessy came only five minutes later. It was from close range and unceremonious, amidst a busy penalty box.

0-2.

Thankfully Aberdeen quickly got one back, and all didn’t seem so lost anymore. Saints’ keeper fumbled the ball for a corner. Big man Ashton Taylor leapt for a powerful header 12 minutes in.

1-2.

After this both teams came close to scoring, and just over fifteen minutes later the Perth men capitalised on yet another chance.

1-3 (Liam Craig) after 30 minutes.

It’s around about this time that the game began to get a little bit bad tempered.

Aberdeen captain Ryan Jack was seen in a spat with a couple of Saints’ players, who were doggedly setting about play when the ball had already gone out for a throw in. Then there was a free kick.

The Pittodrie side just couldn’t cut it. The opposition, if defending in their box, were the first to every ball; out of any danger.

There’d been a lot of action, so this necessitated an extra minute’s play at the end of the first half.

During the interval it was telling the Red Army were in no singing mood, and the expected response of Peter Pawlett Baby to Human League’s Don’t You Want Me Baby never came. Instead, they were immersed in the walking football half time entertainment.

They also had little truck for Danny Cool, adapted from Boney M’s Daddy Cool. Apparently this is a tribute to the cool head of Danny Ward. Maybe lack of reciprocation was to do with the fact he was having a stinker.

And it was to get worse, too.

The Dons defence had barely kicked off for the second half when ex-Dandy Steven MacLean was allowed to sneak a weak header which only just bobbed over the line.

1-4 two minutes into the second half.

Aberdeen made their first change 49 minutes into the game, with Pawlett replaced by David Goodwillie.

Probably the most satisfaction the Pittodrie faithful had was when the McDiarmid Park men blootered the ball for a rugby conversion.

That was short lived when MacLean nicked his second of the game. The crowd had already given up a goal prior, but this was now desolation.

1-5 after 51 minutes.

The away support were in raptures, even cheering every successive pass their team made.

To rub salt into the wounds Aberdeen then missed a sitter.

Aberdeen made their final change 67 minutes into the game, with Barry Robson replacing Kenny McLean; and Jonny Hayes replaced by Scott Wright.

These changes made little difference and Aberdeen would’ve had the fans going absolutely ballistic at them for their lack of urgency, had one of the Saints’ not had to be taken off.

There were further derisive cheers from the home crowd when St Johnstone’s Simon Lappin was booked.

Goal number six almost arrived when Ward spilled the ball, but he was saved embarrassment.

It was actually surprising the lack of response there was when ex-Aberdeen MacLean came off to be substituted. Perhaps they were now beyond caring. Aberdeen had one last close chance, and that was it. Finished.

The only other incidents of note were Graeme Shinnie gesturing to the linesman about a perceived infringement, and a very frustrated Robson booting the ball off the roof of the Main Stand at the final whistle.

Final score: 1-5.

Aberdeen 1 Hamilton 0 – Pittodrie Stadium 16.09.15

Opinion, Sport No Responses »

Sep 162015

Aberdeen survived some scares to win against quite a good Hamilton side, says Andrew Watson.

The start was a nervy one, with both sides feeling their way into the game.

Aberdeen were the first to suss their opposition out, but struggled initially.

Some smart play was hampered by too many passes being short of their target.

It was Graeme Shinnie that really kicked off things, when he instigated a second penalty in two games.

Once again, it was Adam Rooney who stepped up. If he could score that League Cup securing goal a couple seasons back, it could more or less be said he’d score this one. He did, coolly slotting it away.

1-0 after 23 minutes!

The Dons came out a completely different team in the second half, and seemed very timid. The Accies were beginning to take a foothold of the game, and there were moments they proved they definitely deserved a point from the game.

Josh Parker came on the pitch to replace Jonny Hayes 72 minutes into proceedings. A minute later, Ryan McLaughlin came off for Shaleum Logan.

McInnes made his final substitute at 82 minutes, with Peter Pawlett coming on for Kenny McLean.

Parker probably had the best chance of the game towards the end, coming more or less one on one with the keeper.

The Red Army were probably expecting him to lob the keeper, but he elected instead to control the ball and drive it low. It went wide.

Ashton Taylor was also taken off near the end. Thankfully he appeared to walk off the pitch without a limp, so hopefully the injury is minor and that he can play at Tynecastle.

It could be a tough one, away from home, so as strong a squad as possible would be ideal.

Final score: 1-0.

Aberdeenshire RFC Helps Tackle Poverty In Aberdeen

Aberdeenshire, Charity, Sport No Responses »

Aug 262015

With thanks to Phil Moar, Account Manager, Citrus Mix.

Susan Cheyne, business development manager at Instant Neighbour.

Players and members of Aberdeenshire RFC have come together to raise donations for local charity Instant Neighbour.
The Woodside club has been collecting items throughout the last month and has managed to raise a grand total of 202kg of bric-a-brac and 17kg of food which will go towards supporting those in need in and around Aberdeen.

Aberdeenshire RFC club president Alasdair Farquharson said:

“I’d like to thank all those players, both past and present, and members of the club who have come together to generously support our efforts in helping Instant Neighbour.

“To raise such a fantastic total really is testament to the efforts shown throughout the last month and it is great to be able to help a charity that is located in the community that we play out of. It really is our way of giving something back to the local area.”

Susan Cheyne, business development manager of Instant Neighbour, said:

“This is excellent and will certainly help us in our quest to support those hit by poverty.”

Among other charitable endeavours, a group of players, friends and family of the club volunteered in last weekend’s Celebrate Aberdeen parade, lending a helping hand to the North East Disabled War Veterans.

The parade itself saw thousands of people take to the streets of Aberdeen to celebrate the tireless work of the city’s third sector organisations in a display of colour and fun.

Now, the club will turn its attention to this Saturday’s opening league game as the 1st XV face a repeat of last season’s opening fixture when they travel to Fife to take on Kirkcaldy RFC.
Aberdeenshire RFC are a BT National League Division 2 side situated in the north of Aberdeen.

In addition to the club’s three senior teams, Aberdeenshire has a burgeoning ladies and junior team.

Further information can be found at http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/aberdeenshire/

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Aberdeen 2 Dundee 0 – Pittodrie Stadium 22.08.15

Opinion, Sport No Responses »

Aug 242015

Aberdeen took some time to breakdown an in form Dundee side, says Voice’s Andrew Watson.

There were grey skies and slightly overcast conditions, though the weather remained settled enough to make ideal conditions for football, in Scottish terms anyway.

Generally speaking the home side had more possession in the final third of pitch, but what little of the ball the Dark Blues had they were a bit more productive within the host’s box. This wasn’t necessarily reflected in the score.

On top of that a very so slightly pedantic referee in Bobby Madden ensured the heated moments in the game sometimes boiled over, with four bookings and a dismissal.

The Dons finally got going in the second half, 66 minutes into the game, with Jonny Hayes crossing the ball to find Adam Rooney. He headed coolly into the net.

1-0 Aberdeen!

Goodwillie was then substituted eleven minutes later. He was replaced by Josh Parker, who’s currently on loan from Red Star Belgrade and has also spent time at Queens Park Rangers.

There was a moment Parker got onto the ball well within the box. Expected to shoot, he elected to pass the ball further into the penalty area. A measured move, but still it was hoped he’d go for glory himself.

Aberdeen then made their second and final change after 87 minutes. This was to take off Hayes and bring on Paul Quinn.

A few minutes into injury time and Rooney was chopped down for a penalty. Dundee’s Gary Harkins was duly sent off for the challenge.

Taken from the feet of the Dublin man himself, Aberdeen went a second goal up with the last kick of the game.

2-0 Aberdeen in the final minute of the three minutes of injury time!

The only main point of criticism is that Shaleum Logan of late hasn’t been bombing down the wings and hitting into the box, like his usual self. Instead, he chooses, yes to come forward, but to pass sideways and even behind himself.

Anyway, let’s hope Aberdeen can keep up their winning streak, this the fourth of four, and again push for that second place spot. This will probably to be hotly contested with the likes of the returning Hearts side especially.

Final score: 2-0.

Aberdeen 2 Kilmarnock 0 – Pittodrie Stadium 09.08.15

Opinion, Sport No Responses »

Aug 092015

Aberdeen shrugged off their Euro blues with a comfortable victory over a struggling Kilmarnock side, recounts Voice’s Andrew Watson.

The weather was fine and conducive to a good game, though the Dons were maybe lackadaisical at first.

They snapped out of it and began to create chances, really trying to get forward and try to inflict some damage.

Eventually, after 37 minutes, Jonny Hayes was in the box and the ball fell to Graeme Shinnie.

Instead of placing it he perhaps caused some initial alarm amongst the Red Army by smashing it with the outside of his foot, rocketing it into the roof off the net.

It was from close range, though from maybe a bit of a tricky angle for mere placement. What a finish.

1-0 Aberdeen!

There was instance or two for the Rugby Park men to draw the game level again after the interval, but that came and went.

Willo Flood was taken down and a penalty resulted, booted by the foot of Adam Rooney.

2-0 Aberdeen eleven minutes into the second half!

Ex-Don Josh Magennis was brought on to beef up Killie’s attacking options, and not merely to elect to avoid any further drubbing.

Cammy Smith and Andrew Considine came on after 66 minutes, replacing by Kenny McLean and Hayes.

Aberdeen then made their third and final change after 83 minutes. This was to take off Niall McGinn and bring on David Goodwillie.

The only other point of note was a ball boy been carted off in a wheelbarrow. Perhaps this was the same lad who was lambasted by Ayrshire men for assuming an Aberdeen goal kick, and not a corner.

It was a solid performance, with some minor flaws, yes, but something to build on for the ensuing league and cup campaigns.

Final score: 2-0.

Aberdeen 1 Kairat Almaty 1 – Pittodrie Stadium 06.08.15

Opinion, Sport No Responses »

Aug 082015

Aberdeen are out of the Europa League after a tie that demanded maximum concentration from its players, remarks Voice reporter Andrew Watson.

It was almost a perfect summer’s day, come kick off. Come the final whistle, however, rain was falling and somewhat appropriate to the inner tears of the Dons and the Red Army faithful.

Generally speaking, the initial stages of the game were spent somewhat sizing each other up, despite the previous leg in Kazakhstan.
Sides tend to play a different game at home, it’s often said.

Having said that, amidst this Aberdeen survived a very early scare within the first minute but keeper Danny Ward saved their blushes.

This and another fine stop arguably woke up and composed the Reds.

A mixture of Kenny McLean and Peter Pawlett in the centre of midfield; Jonny Hayes and Niall McGinn on the wings; and Shaleum Logan coming forward from the back, bombarded Kairat’s defence.

Bar two chances from the feet of Hayes in the first half, any real incision was somewhat muted by an aggressive defensive display by Kairat. They accrued five yellow cards throughout the match.

Despite this, Aberdeen more or less continued in the same attacking vein in the second half; whilst defending with discipline; mopping up, shutting down and out any pressure.

This didn’t last too long, though. Ward had to react to a close range effort and Kairat’s Gerard Gohou responded, netting the rebound.

0-1 Kairat (Gerard Gohou) after 59 minutes.

Aberdeen made their first substitution nine minutes from that goal, with Adam Rooney replacing Pawlett.

Hayes came off for Willo Flood come the 81 minute mark. Paul Quinn then came on for David Goodwillie.

Three minutes after these two changes, twenty five after going a goal down, Aberdeen hit back. McLean dived well within the box to head past the keeper, via a McGinn free kick.

1-1!

Quinn, Ashton Taylor and even Ward piled forward for a corner in the dying moments of the game. The former had a fine header denied by the opposing keeper.

If they’d snatched that second goal, a further half an hour of extra time would’ve been secured. It didn’t turn out that way, though, and it’s hard to measure progress when they’ve dropped out of the competition at the same stage as they did last season.

Final score: 1-1.

(2-3 aggregate. Aberdeen are knocked out).

Aberdeen 0 Shkendija 0 – Pittodrie Stadium 09.07.15

Opinion, Sport No Responses »

Jul 112015

Aberdeen were lucky to reach the second qualifying round of the Europa League but did so without the presence of defensive stalwart, Mark Reynolds, reports Voice’s Andrew Watson.

The only thing that blemished the fine evening conditions were the sizeable flock of seagulls dive bombing the pitch, and even flying through the stands themselves.

Attendance wise, it looked sparse in places. However, the actual amount there was deceptive, numbering well over fourteen thousand.

Graeme Shinnie, arguably his first proper game with the Dons, was given a start at left back.

Shkendija started much like they did in the first leg in Macedonia the previous Thursday. They were a threat going forward, incisive enough to run at and cut through the back four from time to time.

On the other end of the pitch the Aberdeen attackers sometimes struggled to break down the defence, and it was telling that some of their best chances were struck from distance.

The Reds only really found their rhythm towards the end of the first half. Jonny Hayes passed well to find Shinnie, who forced an excellent save from the opposition keeper.

Steven McLean made that first of two of the Reds’ significant long distance efforts not long after.

Come the second half, Aberdeen goalie, Danny Ward, had had an excellent game. However, there was an occasion where instead of the ball being caught in his hands, it fell to and bounced off his feet.

Another time he made his only poor clearance of the game, something that had become part and parcel of watching Jamie Langfield play. Thankfully both times he was rescued by team mates.

After 67 minutes Peter Pawlett came on for McLean. His impact was palpable, making the second of two of significant long distance efforts.

This one seemed to rattle off the underside of the crossbar, and many believed it crossed the line. Many would’ve been curious as to what goal line technology would’ve made of that one.

Hayes came off the pitch 12 minutes later, with David Goodwillie replacing. Barry Robson also came on for Willo Flood.

Shkendija will probably feel displeased with the result. Aberdeen will probably have to do better to progress beyond their second Europa League qualifier. They’ll face Croatia’s Rijeka.

One thing that must be said, though, is that with a player like McLean as an attacking option, there’s much to look forward to. Despite having been rather unremarkable until now, he had an excellent game.

Shinnie’s definitely a good addition to the squad, with defensive attacking play akin to that of Shaleum Logan. A Scottish Cup winner, he’ll have the necessary winning mentality.

Final score: 0-0.

(1-1 aggregate. Aberdeen through on the away goal rule).

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