Aberdeen 2 Dundee 0 – Pittodrie Stadium 22.08.15

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Aug 242015
 

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

pittodrie2There 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

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Aug 092015
 

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

merklandandrewThe 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

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Aug 082015
 

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

pittodrie2It 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 2 Rijeka 2 – Pittodrie Stadium 23.07.15

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Jul 252015
 

Aberdeen go through to the third qualifying round of the Europa League in what was at times an edgy affair at Pittodrie, recounts Voice’s Andrew Watson.

merkalndpic3It was a bright, fairly warm summer evening, but not the kind of heat the Reds contended with in the first leg of the draw in Croatia. No water breaks this time round, but again, plenty seagulls swooping.
The first half had went by in such a fashion that people would be forgiven for thinking it would end in the same stalemate as that Pittodrie showdown against Shkendija a couple of weeks back.

Rijeka after the interval, however, set about a shock bid to try and make amends that three goal deficit accumulated last Thursday.

Some fine dribbling beat the Dons defence, and a well-placed shot beat keeper Danny Ward 58 minutes into the game.

0-1 (Marin Tomasov).

It was only 63 minutes in when Rijeka found themselves only one goal away from potential success via the away goal rule.

A cruel deflection put the ball in the net once again, and the scorer had not long come on the pitch as a substitute.

Pittodrie was stunned.

0-2 (Zoran Kvrzic).

Only seconds later Niall McGinn rushed up the field, receiving a David Goodwillie pass and shooting at goal. He clawed one back.

Potential crisis everted 64 minutes into the game.

1-2 Aberdeen, and three goals in the space of about five minutes!

Goodwillie again turned provider eight minutes later, with Jonny Hayes picked out in the box to score from close range.

2-2 Aberdeen!

Two substitutions followed that goal.

Peter Pawlett came on the pitch at the 73 minute mark, with McLean coming off. Goodwillie came off two minutes later, with Adam Rooney coming on.

A final change took place after 83 minutes with McGinn coming off for Willo Flood.

The former, prior to this, was also involved in a humorous tussle as he slid for the ball in the Main and Merkland Stand corner. There was absolutely bare minimum contact but the Rijeka man went down as if dealt with by a supreme marksman.

This incurred fierce boos from the crowd, to which he responded with a rude, cupped and shaking hand gesture of self-love to the fans. This resulted in derisive cheers from the Pittodrie faithful.

However, this wasn’t the first time it appeared that someone had whipped out the sniper rifle, and to be honest McGinn’s fellow man coming off the park, Goodwillie, was seemingly another culprit in that.

Most importantly though, McGinn saved the Dandies’ with that earlier goal which killed the game for the Croatians. Hayes goal also made sure of that, making victory that bit more comfortable they go through to face Kazakhstan’s Kairat in the next round.

Final score:  2-2.

(5-2 aggregate. Aberdeen through to next round).

Aberdeen 0 St Johnstone 1 – Pittodrie Stadium 24.05.15

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May 252015
 

Saints super sub Chris Kane was the difference between the two sides in the final Pittodrie fixture of the season, opines Voice reporter Andrew Watson.

merklandandrewFine weather promised to make the pairing a fair and even contest.

However, Derek McInnes’ generosity in awarding starts for departing Nicky Low and Joe Shaugnessy conspired to make his gentlemanly gesture look disrespectful to the visitors.

A hard working and stubborn St Johnstone side gave as good as they got, but had retiring Dons captain Russell Anderson been the only nominal addition to the starting eleven things could’ve panned out much differently.

However, this second string Reds team went close a few times, usually with winger Jonny Hayes being the common denominator in any given attack.

One can’t help but ponder, though, what could’ve been.

What if they had the attacking defensive play of Shaleum Logan? What if they had the as of late midfield command and dead ball specialty of Barry Robson?

What about the man who needs no justification, Adam Rooney?

None of these three were even on the bench.

Moving on, two minutes into the second half, Lawrence Shankland came on for Low.

56 minutes in, defender Mark Reynolds came off the pitch replaced by young gun Scott Wright. The latter was a pleasure to watch and wasn’t afraid to take anyone on.

0-1 (Kane) after 70 minutes. The substitute helped instigate the attack, scoring instantly.

Ten minutes later, Frank Ross replaced Cammy Smith.

It was gutting to see off Anderson in such a way, in a match they really should’ve been able to turn out positively, especially given that it was a home game.

I dare say Low served his purpose last season, but I am genuinely sad to see Shaughnessy move on, who I’ve always considered a solid player with an authoritative stature ideal for the Scottish game.

Final score:  0-1.

Aberdeen 0 Celtic 1 – Pittodrie Stadium 10.05.15

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May 112015
 

Aberdeen hoped for a consolation win over league champions Celtic but fell short, says Voice reporter Andrew Watson.

pittodrie2Spitting rain threatened to unfurl in the skies above Pittodrie, but thankfully held back. In fact a dull day soon turned into uncharacteristic Scottish sunshine.

Aberdeen were sportsmanlike enough to give the Hoops a guard of honour before the game for securing the championship, though went all out with their rivals during the game to discard the conduct of gentlemen in favour of gamesmanship.

Some would argue that the Parkhead men were dirty, and abetted by an official secretly donning Celtic’s colours under his garb of referee.

The Dons started strong, though one of their best efforts, through ex-Celt Barry Robson, went just wide. His next effort was closer, though straight at the keeper.

Although it took Celtic awhile to establish themselves, thereafter they cottoned onto Aberdeen’s methods and moved to nullify them.

After the break, Celtic made a point to rectify their slow start in the first half. Slackness from Robson gave opportunity for the men in green and white to exploit.

0-1 (Scott Brown) after 49 minutes.

56 minutes into the game, striker David Goodwillie came on the pitch replacing Adam Rooney. Thirteen minutes later, Robson came off replaced by Peter Pawlett.

Niall McGinn had good chances to equalise on a few occasions. He would have been on top of his game conversion-wise if he’d been playing rugby, though.

At the other end of the pitch keeper Scott Brown kept the Reds in the game at least two or three times with some spectacular saves.

Three minutes before the death Lawrence Shankland came on for Ryan Jack. Five agonising minutes of injury time were added to those tense, sometimes bad tempered, 90 minutes.

The latter substitute came close to goal with a diving header via a cross from Jonny Hayes.

In conclusion, Aberdeen frequently tried the Celtic back four though the latter formed a curtain meaning their keeper was rarely tested. Consolidation or improvement will only come if Aberdeen figure out how to take points from Celtic next season.

Final score:  0-1.

Aberdeen 1 Dundee United 0 – Pittodrie Stadium 18.04.15

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Apr 202015
 

This New Firm derby developed into a fiery encounter with plenty more to talk about than the solitary goal, says Voice reporter Andrew Watson.

merklandandrewIt was a mild Saturday afternoon with a cool wind blowing, though not enough to drastically alter the play or nature of the game.

The visiting Tangerines haven’t been playing too well as of late, but the Reds could not, and did not underestimate their east coast adversaries.

I once said before, regarding a previous encounter between the Dons and Arabs, that if every player attacked the game with the same sense of urgency as Willo Flood, then it would’ve been an entirely different spectacle.

This time, however, his recent form didn’t suggest this would again be the case. His wayward passing of late has been particularly woeful. Passing sideways, passing backwards; forever negative.

Perhaps though, Flood versus Dundee United is akin to Eoin Jess versus Rangers; always turning it on against their most bitter of rivals.

Again, he was the proverbial bull in the china shop, launching into every tackle. And again, there were boos for him, and Barry Robson, from the away crowd for the duration.

However, it was only fair that he was, again, awarded Man of the Match in this particular tussle of a fixture.  His work ethic, again, almost singlehandedly propelled the Reds’ engine room in the centre of the park.

Despite this, it was striker Adam Rooney who grabbed the headlines after 39 minutes.

Captain Mark Reynolds exploited a lapse of concentration amongst the Tannadice back four and managed to put a ball across the box for Rooney to meet, and find the back of the net.

1-0 Aberdeen!

Rooney came close, but no cigar, in the second half, too; and although United weren’t remarkable it wasn’t all one way traffic.

They forced keeper Scott Brown into a couple of fine saves. His involvement increased after 71 minutes when Robson was sent off for a seemingly dubious elbow on United’s Charlie Telfer.

Ryan Jack came on the pitch four minutes later in place of Niall McGinn. The industrious Flood left the pitch as Donervorn Daniels was drafted in a minute after normal time.

Both switches were aimed to shore up the backline after losing such an influential figure in Robson. The game, more so after his dismissal, became frenetic and bad tempered.

This, I suppose, made the victory all the more gratifying. Okay, they’ve drawn out narrow one nil victories in the past, but rarely have they done so having been reduced to ten men.

Hopefully, they might make Celtic sweat in the race to the top of the table.

Final score:  1-0.

Aberdeen 1 Inverness CT 0 – Pittodrie Stadium 08.04.15

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Apr 102015
 

Aberdeen edged Inverness with one goal in a ‘best of the rest’ battle, says Voice reporter Andrew Watson.

merkalndpic2It was ideal conditions at Pittodrie for the last night’s evening kickoff.

There were some close chances for the Dons in the first half, although they lacked that killer touch within and around the box.  Both Niall McGinn and Adam Rooney came close; the former with a delightful chip over the keeper going just wide of the post.

Inverness, on the other hand, had a few chances themselves, perhaps not as clear cut.

Their defence, though pegged back for the duration, were resolute and robust in their dealings with the Aberdeen attack.

Time and time again they were put under pressure, but coming out of it unscathed. Reasonably good, bar a few slipups, communication and a siege mentality served them well.

It was looking as if it would be a second consecutive goalless draw for The Reds at Pittodrie, albeit a more exciting fixture. That did change slightly in the second period, though.

Two minutes in Ashton Taylor converted Barry Robson’s pinpoint corner kick. Tall Taylor glanced his header into the bottom corner.

1-0 Aberdeen!

Kenny McLean came on the pitch on the 70 minute mark, with Peter Pawlett coming off.

Aberdeen were maybe a little unlucky to come away only one goal ahead.

It went from siege mentality to being under siege as Shay Logan thumped the underside of the crossbar amidst a flurry of chances for the home side. Rooney also had a strike chalked off for offside.

It’s good to finally get the monkey off the back after that frustrating draw with the other Jags of the SPFL.

Final score:  1-0.

Aberdeen 0 Partick Thistle 0 – Pittodrie Stadium 04.04.15

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Apr 052015
 

An abject Aberdeen side will be kicking themselves after promising not to underestimate their Thistle opposition, only to escape undeservedly with a point, reports Voice’s Andrew Watson.

pittodrieIt was a dreich afternoon at Pittodrie, and a sizeable Red Army, given the fact this couldn’t exactly be termed a big match, had formed from all corners of the pitch.

Their voice, a resounding and at times frustrated one, should’ve spurred their team to glory from the stands. Pity it didn’t.

Lawrence Shankland was given a start up front, and seemingly justified his selection with two near chances in the early stages.

Though in all honesty more experienced players should’ve been on the pitch, if indeed they took their Firhill adversaries seriously in the slightest. Jonny Hayes’ work on the wings, supplying excellent balls, was kind of put to waste.

So why didn’t Niall McGinn start, let alone David Goodwillie or Peter Pawlett?

Granted, McGinn did come on the pitch on the 55 minute mark, with Shankland subbed. Willo Flood also came off for Pawlett.

26 minutes later Cammy Smith came on for Kenny McLean.

Overall, Partick had at least two good chances of their own, and much closer ones at that. Aberdeen really should’ve been a goal down by the final whistle.

It’s telling that the loudest cheer from the home crowd came as they gleefully celebrated the Thistle forward putting the ball just inches wide.

And although it seemed at times the referee was against them in the heat of the tackle, and that the linesmen were ignoring the offside rule to benefit of the Jags on the attack, the Dons shouldn’t have needed their help.

Two or three uncharacteristic slipups by Celtic are required to stand a chance in hell of somehow pinching the elusive league title.

Final score:  0-0.

Aberdeen 2 Motherwell 1 – Pittodrie Stadium 13.03.15

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Mar 142015
 

Aberdeen fought back from a goal down in a messy and sometimes bad mannered affair, writes Voice reporter Andrew Watson.

merkalndpic2It was a snatch and grab for the Pittodrie side.

They gained two goals in quick succession from a Motherwell back line that made costly errors.

This undone the vital one goal lead the Steelmen gained very much against the run of play.

It was 35 minutes into the game that manager Derek McInnes sought change in his ranks, taking off Donervorn Daniels, replacing him with wing ace Peter Pawlett.

Their man, Lee Erwin, unleashed a shot from outside the box. Keeper Jamie Langfield, back after Scott Brown’s Parkhead display against Celtic, could only look on as Erwin’s teammate Scott McDonald pounced to make that all important touch to put it across the goal line.

0-1 Motherwell (McDonald) only two minutes after said substitution.

Come the second half the dynamics of game changed slightly.

Five minutes into the final forty five, 50 minutes into the game, Ashton Taylor was a free man as an in swinging corner met his head just yards from goal.

Their keeper was nimble yet somehow turned it into his own net.

1-1!

Things went from bad to worse for Motherwell as the Reds, two minutes later, found the back of the net.

This was via some opportunistic poaching from Adam Rooney, punishing some slack defending as confusion reigned between the hapless keeper and his four charges.

2-1 Aberdeen!

Barry Robson replaced David Goodwillie on the 78 minute mark. Twelve minutes later substitute Pawlett was himself taken off, in favour of comeback kid Clark Robertson.

Aberdeen could’ve pushed for that decisive third goal, though it never came.

Having said that, it was refreshing to see them go a goal down and recover.

Perhaps they’d become too accustomed to winning outright and simultaneously grinding out clean sheets. Maybe it shows the diversity in their methods for victory; their versatility.

Final score:  2-1.

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