League Archives - Page 4 of 13

Aberdeen 0 Hearts 1 – Pittodrie Stadium 12.05.16

May 132016

Aberdeen looked set for stalemate until Hearts cruelly pounced upon a rebound, says Voice reporter Andrew Watson.

In terms of the pitch, it looked the best as it had done in a long time, it didn’t even look patchy in the fine sun.
‘All These Things That I’ve Done’, by The Killers, proved a curious choice for over the tannoys. Was this conveying regret at missed chances, beating the big Bhoys twice at Pittodrie yet dropping points to minnows when least expected?

However, it was, indeed, rousing when the middle section, “I’ve got soul, but I’m not a soldier” kicked in. The latter, perhaps, urging to forget all that’s past and finish on a high?

Late super fan, Norman Goldie, had banners unfurled for him in front of the Merkland Stand, as news was announced of his ‘retired’ seat in that very stand, following his death. This seat is half red, half white, like his famous odd socks, with a gold plaque of his name in the middle. The banner itself was a portrait caricature, the other stating, “Norman Goldie, R.I.P.”

It was good to see Hearts fans, seemingly, applauding in tribute too. Even mascot, Angus The Bull, was wearing, in the signature style of Norman, odd red and white socks.

Onto the game proper, Aberdeen quickly won a free kick after a tussle for the ball.

A fortuitous throw was also earned in the Dick Donald Stand and South Stand corner, but this came of no consequence.

Both teams were, so far, lumping the ball into the air, perhaps not realising the advantages of keeping it on the deck.

Winger Jonny Hayes absorbed a collision and chased the ball doggedly, meting out as much as he was given.

A ball was then whipped into Heart’s box, but the move was left unfinished.

Down the other end, defender Andrew Considine was urging keeper Adam Collin to calm down after the latter’s distribution put the big man under pressure.

This was followed with some good link up play in the final third, instigated by captain Ryan Jack. Again, they came very close barely seconds later.

Soon after, wing back Shaleum Logan should’ve, opted for the headed pass back to Collin. Instead, he headed out the box, and the subsequent ball was picked up by Hearts, but nothing came of it.

Then it was the Hearts backline under the cosh, but the low delivery was swatted away.

They, in turn, raced into Aberdeen’s box and were unlucky not to punish the Dons.

Logan completed a subsequent defensive mop up, as Hearts put them under pressure in their own box. Not long after, he made amends for earlier on with a headed pass back. Good call.

Opposite keeper, Jack Hamilton, was forced into a save, but it was quite a tame effort.

Hayes earned a free kick for his side, seemingly barely a yard from being a penalty. The resulting penalty went over the bar.

Niall McGinn then drove in a low effort, though nobody was there to make it pinpoint.

Hayes cropped up, again, firing into the box and earning a corner with a deflection.

Down the other end, a cruel Hayes deflection nearly gifted the Jam Tarts.

Later, newbie Scott McKenna cleared his lines well as his Hearts counterpart homed in on goal.

Logan came in, in a subsequent move, with a vital touch to a goalward ball which Collin pushed out for a corner. He stamped his authority on the set piece, rising above all to catch.

The ever present Hayes was belting into the territory of the Tynecastle men, and was, perhaps, unlucky to not force his opposite numbers into a penalty situation.

Ashton Taylor, in turn, snuffed out Hearts’ advance.

McKenna then headed out a threatening ball for a throw in.

A tame effort from Logan, down the other final third, went straight into the arms of Hamilton.

Collin, meanwhile, was caught out with a bad clearance, nearly gifting the Tynecastle side a goal.

Considine, not long after, came in with an expert foot to the ball, defusing Hearts and going out for a throw.

Collin went onto spill a ball but wasn’t, thankfully, in play at the time.

Halftime 0-0.

There was a really early corner for the Dons, but nothing came of it.

On the other hand, a Hearts advance appeared to get home crowd plaudits with some silky skills indeed.

McGinn then lofted a perfect ball right down to the feet of Hayes. Again, nothing came of it.

Aberdeen became very fortunate to have a clean sheet after a defensive lapse, though the attacker hit the ball sky high.

At the opposite end, there was some excellent last gasp defending from Hearts. McGinn couldn’t quite beat his man for a cross into the box.

Following this was some poor link up play between Taylor and Willo Flood, gifting the ball to the Jam Tarts.

Hayes, as ever, was amidst it all with a rocket of a free kick, which deflected out for corner. Hearts came with an excellent header out and away from the box. Barely seconds later, the ball glanced past the post, as it dipped and came down.

McKenna, in the other box, played it risky with Collin, as the latter was forced into a rash clearance.

Flood then made a similar move, but Collin had slightly more time to respond.

McGinn, in the other half, was unfortunate not to catch the Hearts keeper sleeping. The latter was being a tad lazy with the ball at his feet.

A Hearts free kick was then saved, but then the rebound went in after 64 minutes. Until then, most would’ve honestly thought it could only end as a stalemate, or perhaps Aberdeen maybe nicking a goal given their possession in the final third.

0-1 (Abiola Dauda).

Captain Jack, not long after, appeared to be trying to shrug off a knock, limping ever so slightly.

McKenna was taken off, with Cammy Smith coming on after 71 minutes.

As an aside, there were jeers in the Merkland Stand for a steward removing a bobbing, soccer style beach ball.

Hayes, the main man for the past few games, came in with a few balls into Hearts’ box, all of which were batted away.

Graeme Shinnie in turn potentially set himself up for a goal scoring opportunity.

Juwon Oshaniwa provided another light moment when soaking up (ahem…) glory from the South and Merkland Stand corners. He’d, previously in the game, attained a reputation for dubious throw ins. At least he could laugh about it, as they say.

Joe Nuttall was then put on, in favour of Flood after 81 minutes.

Earlier substitution, McKenna, was announced over the tannoys as man of the match. There was also to be three minutes of additional play.

Logan’s ball into the Hearts box defied everyone, and a shame because the delivery could’ve instigated a perfect equaliser.

Maybe better a better keeper would’ve kept a clean sheet for this one? Moments in Motherwell game seemed to attest to that. At least the Dons would’ve stood a chance of rewarding the Red Army with a superior points total to last season.

Final score: 0-1.

Aberdeen 4 Motherwell 1 – Pittodrie Stadium 30.04.16

Opinion, Sport No Responses »

May 012016

Aberdeen punished Motherwell, but the latter were nearly given an avenue back into the game, opines Voice reporter Andrew Watson.

The pitch looked the best it had in a long time. Still a bit ravaged, though. Really windy, too.
‘Hard To Beat’ by Hard-Fi, via the tannoy, was perhaps in reference to overall form, and not recent form. There was then ‘Let’s Go Crazy’ by the late Prince, inciting a goal fest, perhaps. After that, another tune from a late great, ‘Heroes’ by David Bowie, inspiring, urging, the Dons to triumph after so much recent disappointment.

A sense of immediacy came, though, with Fatboy Slim’s ‘Right Here, Right Now’.

Come the game, opening proceedings saw Aberdeen intercepting when it mattered, nullifying Motherwell.

A weak shot was then thankfully palmed out for a corner. Motherwell hit on the break from this, though.

Winger Jonny Hayes winged his way into Motherwell’s box and was taken down for his troubles. Also, for his troubles, he and his team were rewarded with a penalty. Kenny McLean sent the keeper the wrong way.

1-0 Aberdeen – only 6 minutes into the game!

Soon after, Aberdeen were lucky not only to clear their lines after a corner, but that the subsequent shot went straight into the hands of debutante keeper, Adam Collin.

Defender Graeme Shinnie was also caught looking for a foul, as play continued.

Willo Flood, however, weighed in with an excellent, meaty tackle to put the ball out of play.

Collin, on the other hand, was proving to be not a particularly powerful kicker of the ball. Half way up the field half the time, and no more.

Andrew Considine then came in with a timely challenge to spare Aberdeen’s blushes.

Niall McGinn, at the other end of the pitch, offered a cross-cum-shot which came close.

Aberdeen then conceded a corner in a situation where there was no real alternative.

Aberdeen, in turn came close, and were rewarded with a corner.

Captain Ryan Jack was then brought down for a free kick.

Hayes pushed his luck with his time on the ball, but eventually won a free kick.

Not long after, Aberdeen then cemented their lead with a cross courtesy of Shaleum Logan.

Niall McGinn volleyed the ball into the net, only 26 minutes into the game.

2-0!

Later McGinn again came close with a deft ball of his own in towards the goal.

Big man at the back, Ashton Taylor, had determination in spades, but perhaps too much as he put a cross well beyond the goal.

Hayes was also of a persistent nature but, again, the ball went over.

An Aberdeen man then appeared to go down near his own box, yet the home side were the ones penalised.

A Motherwell cross, not long after, was glanced beyond the goal. A second attempt was miles off, which in turn was greeted with jeers.

Just before the break, Simon Church was treated on the pitch before being taken off in favour of Adam Rooney,

A later ball defied everyone in the box, coming so close to a third goal.

Halftime 2-0. Hopefully, when KC & The Sunshine Band’s ‘Baby, Give It Up’ blared from the Tannoy, Aberdeen wouldn’t take victory for granted in the next half.

After the break, the ball bounced around in the box, with Aberdeen unlucky not to capitalise.

Motherwell, on the other hand, had a chipped effort into the box wasted with no takers.

Shinnie hopped on the back of his opponent to win a header, and cleared his team’s lines for an away throw in.

Then came another seemingly weak kick from Collin. He fell on his backside as well.

Aberdeen produced some excellent passing play away from the crowd of players and danger.

Steelman between the sticks, Connor Ripley, had a superb save go to waste as the rebound came to the feet of comeback king, Rooney, who pounced after 54 minutes.

3-0!

Subsequently, Aberdeen earned a corner. Then, down the other end, Considine was forced to clear for safety.

A determined Shinnie made it first to the ball, inspiring some quick passing out of the danger zone.

A Motherwell advance, however, exploited an awry Taylor clearing header on 64 minutes.

3-1 (substitute Chris Cadden).

Logan found himself booked after a tussle at the back of the net which the Fir Park men had just found.

Aberdeen were then fortunate for an offside decision, else Motherwell would’ve cut the deficit by another goal.

Collin, under pressure in another instance, thankfully, and with authority, held onto the Motherwell ball.

McLean then gave away a stupid foul then appeared, strangely, to go to the ground himself shortly before Hayes thundered into the box, scoring after 78 minutes.

4-1!

Aberdeen, thereon, recovered their authority, and stamped it all over again.

Barry Robson was put on to replace Rooney after 81 minutes.

McGinn was taken off, in favour of Scott Wright after 84 minutes.

Hayes then drove into the box, with a cross-cum-shot.

A skirmish kicked off as McLean went to the ground, for which ‘Well captain, Keith Lasley, was sent off. Their manager, Mark McGhee, had one of his backroom staff sent to the stands afterwards.

Just before the end of play came an ambitious Aberdeen free kick, whipping not far from goal.

Final score: 4-1.

Teuchters v Toonsers: Mannies’ Fitba For Charity

Aberdeenshire, Sport No Responses »

Apr 292016

With thanks to David Innes.

Fans of Highland League are invited this weekend to enjoy a unique fitba experience and help raise funds for Maggie’s cancer care centres.
The team line ups have already been announced by each side of that notorious rivalry – Teuchters v Toonsers.

Taking place at 2pm on Sunday May 1st at North Lodge Park, Pitmedden, Highland League legends of yesteryear will pull on the boots in aid of Maggie’s where the football brains and banter will definitely be quicker than the legs.

Toonser team member Jerry O’Driscoll commented:

“If anyone is missing their football fix already, this Sunday May 1st, there will be a Highland League Veterans game in aid of Maggies cancer centre in Aberdeen.

“It will be the ‘toonsers’ versus the ‘teuchters’ over 35s game ( rules are not particularly strict here ) and will kick off at 1400 at North Lodge with admission being a donation of your choice.

“There will be bouncy castles and face paints for the kids as well as beat the keeper and ‘top bin’ for kids of all ages!

“Hoping the weather is good and am sure it will be a day of good banter with some average football thrown in!”

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Aberdeen 3 Hamilton 0 – Pittodrie Stadium 03.04.16

Opinion, Sport No Responses »

Apr 042016

Aberdeen hammered three goals past a hapless Hamilton side, says Voice reporter Andrew Watson.

Conditions were wet, perhaps nourishing a quite ravaged pitch.
‘Why Does It Always Rain Me’ by Travis was an apt song given the weather prior to and during the match.

Furthermore ‘I Am The Resurrection’ by The Stone Roses was perhaps aimed towards a hoped resurgence in form after losing to Motherwell the other week, rising from the ashes of defeat at Fir Park.

Then came the customary blasting through the tannoys of Hard-Fi’s ‘Hard to Beat’; which of course was a tad ironic, given that trip to Lanarkshire. AC/DC’s moody ‘Thunderstruck’ bizarrely seemed to be willing worse weather we were having.

Finally, just before the game kicked off, there were the strains of ‘Right Here, Right Now’ by Fatboy Slim. This was the Dons getting pumped, with timely urgency and an all out desire to win.

Keeper Scott Brown was forced into an early clearance, which went out for a throw in.

Down the other end, a cross only just evaded an Aberdeen attack.

Big man at the back, Ashton Taylor, made a lunging run, but a subsequent slack pass was intercepted.

Kenny McLean reached a long pass, and his cross turned into a shot hitting off the far post.

Winger, Jonny Hayes, came in with a perfect cross for Simon Church to header in. Emphatic and powerful, a surge of passion from the Red Army as it smashed into the net.

1 – 0 Aberdeen – only 5 minutes into the game!

McLean then almost came in with a goal of this own.

Slack passing and shooting prevented a second goal for the Dons.

Pocket rocket at the back, Shaleum Logan, was unfortunate with a chipped ball which put Church offside.

Hayes then won a free kick after a deft, long ball.

Willo Flood came in with a timely challenge to deny Hamilton, the ball going out for a throw.

Hayes found fruitful play for his team, after being taken down twice and earning a free kick in the second instance. McLean seemed to be going for a shot with the resulting set piece.

Logan, however, was appearing to go for a cross later, but turned into a shot.

There was then applause for a recent bereavement in the Aberdeen community, and this was followed promptly with a second goal.

2-0! Niall McGinn stroked it into the net, only 15 minutes into the game.

There was a subsequent attempt, a low one, just wide of the post. Aberdeen were definitely stamping their authority on the game.

Hamilton once again cleared their lines, preventing a third goal. They suffered an onslaught with their keeper parrying away a low header into the corner.

On the other hand, down the other end of the pitch, Aberdeen were a tad lucky not to concede.

McGinn, though, was unlucky later trying to receive Logan’s cross.

Then, with Aberdeen slightly under the cosh, Flood cleared the box and made an expert pass to create another Aberdeen advance.

Hamilton’s Kemy Agustien was booked for challenge on Graeme Shinnie. They then cleared their box for an Aberdeen corner.

Flood reared his head, again, this time beating his man to instigate an attack, one which somehow was absorbed by Hamilton.

Logan came in with a deflected low drive, but subsequently won a corner.

McGinn put corner into six yard box, an ideal location, but nobody was there.

Church was then penalised contesting the ball, perhaps unfairly.

Shinnie came in with an excellent sliding challenge, snuffing out what seemed a dangerous Hamilton advance.

An Aberdeen advance, however, cut in and McLean pounced after 33 minutes.

3-0!

Another header, like Church’s earlier, but from a free kick, went wide.

Hamilton stopper, Michael McGovern put himself in harm’s way to reduce space Aberdeen had for a potential fourth goal and Aberdeen were snuffed.

Kemy Agustien, not long after, was on the deck. Cue cynical cries from Pittodrie faithful.

McGinn came in with an ambitious shot, and was applauded rather than jeered. After all, Aberdeen can’t pass it into the net all the time.

Taylor was then found playing dangerously, down the other end. He was lucky to have Brown to rely on as an option to pass back to.

Logan took a tumble, his subsequent throw in was poor.

One minute additional play for first half.

Halftime 3-0.

Taylor was taken off, in favour of Andrew Considine after the break.

Brown then mopped up low shot from Dougie Imrie.

McLean, up the other end, came into the box and his advance went out for a corner. Then on followed a flurry chances for Aberdeen.

Hayes was flat out on his back. He got up, eventually.

Aberdeen almost came unstuck, though the rather negative attack by Hamilton was very much to the Dons benefit.

Hamilton then won a corner. The taker came up for some stick:

“Imrie, you’re shite!”

A subsequent Aberdeen shot was definitely going for glory, parried away for corner. There was then a tussle in the box, resulting in a ball that almost bobbled over the line.

Hayes came in with a clever chip. Caught easily by the keeper, though.

Mark Reynolds went for a curling long ball, but the execution was too slack.

McLean found himself on the ground, later, but this went on unnoticed. Boos from the home support.

After some good linkup play, McGinn floating a shot of little threat.

Considine was in with a timely slide to deny Hamilton credible pop at goal.

Not long after was a pass across goal, almost not picked up by the sleeping Accies.

McGinn danced past a few players, shifting into another gear as he homed in on goal. He rocketed a shot barely over the top of the crossbar. Again, plaudits for taking initiative from distance, something Aberdeen don’t do a lot and, arguably, enough.

Action aplenty and another attempt went in the side netting, although Aberdeen really were fortunate not to have lost at least one goal.

Again, there was plenty of action around the Hamilton goal, going wide but never in.

Hamilton, though, forced themselves a corner.

Flood was taken off, in favour of Craig Storie after 78 minutes. Power of work by the former, determined as ever.

Then yet another corner. The fans were desperate for another goal. Then another, absolute bombardment.

Shinnie was proving to be as vital as ever. The defensive stalwart. Hamilton did, though, get a corner later on.

Hayes displayed some absolute class to get ball out of his half.

Frank Ross came on, in favour of Ryan Jack, after 85 minutes.

Prior substitute, Storie, found himself booked.

Final score: 3-0.

Aberdeen 2 Kilmarnock 1 – Pittodrie Stadium 12.03.16

Opinion, Sport No Responses »

Mar 132016

Aberdeen worried their supporters when Kilmarnock levelled, but went on to win the game, opines Voice reporter Andrew Watson.

Drizzling rain left the pitch at Pittodrie a touch wet. Hard-Fi’s ‘Hard to Beat’ blasting out the tannoy perhaps a fair assessment of the current situation, as Aberdeen are now only a point behind league leaders Celtic.

Having said that, Celtic still have a game in hand. Aberdeen, with AC/DC’s ‘Thunderstruck’ also blaring trough the tannoy, perhaps looking to rock Celtic’s title chances.

Surprisingly enough, when ex-Don Josh Magennis was announced to start for Kilmarnock it incurred no response whatsoever.

More bizarre was the non response from the Aberdeen faithful when ex-Ger Kris Boyd was announced as on the bench for Killie.

Come the start of the game, Shaleum Logan came in with a key interception, but his team soon lost the ball.

Barry Robson then lofted the ball, but his receiver came in with a heavy touch that ultimately ended up in the keeper’s hands.

The aforementioned Magennis was bounding at former teammates guarding home goal.

Kenny McLean then came in with a low drive that smacked off the far post which was closest chance of the game so far.

The Dons gave away throw in in key area of danger for Kilmarnock. Thankfully, nothing came of it.

Robson’s free kick was caught by the keeper, right at the far post.

McLean’s subsequent linkup play went out for a throw.

Jonny Hayes then instigated some good forward play, and Niall McGinn deflected the ball for a corner. Robson’s delivery was then headed over the bar.

McGinn later ran down the flank to make a cross that went straight into the keeper’s arms.

Aberdeen, at the other end, headed out a threatening Kilmarnock ball.

Magennis then found the back of the net, but play had already been halted by the referee.

The Dons’ seemingly poor defending was, thankfully, rewarded by an offside decision in their favour.

Hayes was then unfortunate with ball across the box, as the keeper happened to be there to mop it up.

McGinn came in with his own ball into the box, but this was mopped up by the Killie back four. He also had a one on one opportunity, but maybe a tad too close to their stopper to knock it past him.

Graeme Shinnie then came into a more forward position, helping the attack. His pass almost unlocked the Rugby Park defence, but their keeper was there to sweep it up.

Aberdeen subsequently came very close to scoring, but were rightfully declared offside.

Aberdeen keeper Scott Brown, down the other end, came with a shaky pass, finding himself under pressure. Eventually though, this was successfully dealt with.

Another wave of attack, instigated by McGinn, was swatted away, as was a subsequent Hayes advance.

Captain Ryan Jack almost had the perfect ball to the other end of the pitch. Kilmarnock rose to see it off though.

Aberdeen then threatened yet again, but no incision or final touch to see it off.

Kilmarnock then, again, had a throw in a key area, followed by a corner. Brown came in with a commanding catch.

Logan then appeared, after much deliberation, to squander a Dons throw straight to a Killie opposite number.

Ashton Taylor was then caught by a slack pass, his control hindering him as he was tackled. The ball found its way to Brown though.

Aberdeen almost, after, found the back of the net. Although it hit the side netting, they found another opportunity to score, via a corner. Robson put it in the mix, and Taylor made up for his slackness with a precise, powerful and emphatic header into the net.

1-0 Aberdeen 37 minutes into the game!

Following this, there was some deft passing, really putting Aberdeen in the driving seat, but they were stopped by a well timed sliding tackle.

Simon Church then came in with an acrobatic diving headed effort.

Brown was then caught trying to clear his lines far too late, but a lucky deflection off an enquiring Killie forward put the ball back in his hands.

McLean, at the other end, found some space but made a tame effort on goal.

Not long after, Hayes was on the floor and was taken off.

‘Get Lucky’ by Daft Punk was playing though the speakers at Pittodrie. Hopefully, with Aberdeen’s numerous forward advances at play, Lady Luck wouldn’t be a requirement for a Dons victory.

Halftime 1-0.

The second half had barely started, two minutes in fact, when Magennis scored against his former team. This was amidst confusion stemming from a Brown slip up. Magennis bundled it over the line.

1-1.

Robson’s subsequent free kick lofts itself into the keeper’s hands.

Brown then fumbled a shot, but is safe to get hold of the spilt ball.

Robson put a ball in the box, but it bobbled awkwardly, too awkwardly for his teammates to capitalise on.

Andrew Considine, down the other end, headed an incoming ball back out with some authority.

The Red Army were going bananas at the histrionics of one of the Killie men.

Church clashed heads with his opposite number, but found himself eventually back on the pitch. Cue more boos for referee not clocking the situation and stopping play.

Magennis was then unlucky not to put his team ahead. Considine handled the situation badly.

Aberdeen put one in the box, but nobody was there to finish the move.

Back in their own half, Brown made a diving effort. The save was a comfortable one, though.

There was a flurry of action in the other box, but the keeper eventually got hold of the ball.

Killie keeper, Jamie MacDonald, jumped at full height to mop up an Aberdeen skirmish.

There was then a penalty claim as Hayes was downed as he homed in. Instead, the Dons were awarded a corner.

A diving header from Logan 71 minutes into the game restored the Dons’ lead.

2-1 Aberdeen

Brown came with a vital save after a corner, helping Aberdeen maintain their newly acquired lead.

Niall McGinn was taken off, in favour of Mark Reynolds after 80 minutes. Eighteen minutes prior, Cammy Smith replaced veteran Barry Robson.

Mass boos ensued as Boyd came off the bench to play for Killie.

Aberdeen then found themselves under intense pressure, despite their latest substitution to shore up the defence. There was some action down other end, though.

Three minutes of additional play were then announced.

Boyd had a chance, but really should’ve been adjudged offside. Later he got abuse from the Red Army for assuming he was fouled, and grabbing ball to take a free kick.

With a little perseverance, Aberdeen made it over the line.

Final score: 2-1.

Aberdeen 1 St Johnstone 1 – Pittodrie Stadium 27.02.16

Opinion, Sport No Responses »

Feb 282016

Aberdeen couldn’t pounce upon Celtic dropping points against Hamilton, and dropped points themselves against a late levelling St Johnstone, says Voice reporter Andrew Watson.

It was a clear, dare I say, spring looking afternoon, but the pitch looked a tad patchy. Around the country though, it could’ve looked a lot worse.

Gradually things became overcast, and without that sunlight you could truly see the brown of the earth and mud all over pitch.

U2’s ‘Beautiful Day’ belted out the tannoys, which would be about half right. Hard-Fi’s ‘Hard To Beat’, however, didn’t seem to ring as true, given recent form.

Again the weather changed, weirdly, as AC/CD’s ‘Thunderstruck’ came on. With this came more sun light and the illusion the pitch wasn’t so bad. The attendance, from first impressions, seemed also patchy.

With Adam Rooney out injured with a leg strain and Shaleum Logan suspended, it didn’t look to be the typical, straightforward home fixture for the Dons. It would be down to Simon Church to deliver the goods up front, more or less.

An early chance to score was foiled by the Saints keeper, Alan Mannus, but frankly, it was an ordinary effort. They had their own chance, but this went over the bar.

Graeme Shinnie later made what looked like a karate kick for a bruising challenge.

Kenny McLean was then fouled; winning a free kick in, more or less, the centre of the pitch. This attack was repelled.

Dons keeper Scott Brown safely picked up a trundling ball.

Up the other end, Saints scramble away after attempt on goal. A cross results in another attack upon them, but no cigar for Aberdeen.

Down the other end, Dons clear ball from danger.

There’s then a dubious free kick for the McDiarmid Park men, as McLean appeared to be the fouled party.

The Pittodrie side struggle to get the ball away from danger. However, Shinnie then homes in on goal but the resulting ball was deflected.

A Saints ball is mopped up by a pressing Aberdeen side, but not clinical enough.

Willo Flood gets binned with a wild challenge. Free kick ensues and Saints parry it away, again.

There’s an important throw in for Aberdeen in key area. This earns them a subsequent corner.

Niall McGinn whips in super cross, but Saints’ stopper and his back four command their area with force.

Aberdeen’s own back four make a heavy pass, and are fortunate not to gift a golden opportunity.

As said, Saints are a fair unit at the back, good team play and coordination. Flood gets frisky with opposing players after one of their number gets decked.

Aberdeen then have a fortuitous refereeing decision as Saints home in on goal.

Double defensive errors gift Aberdeen a golden opportunity, which isn’t taken.

Saints win a throw in a key position.

Flood appears to be losing his rag, giving away not his first foul.

Slack passing almost gifted Saints an interception in dangerous area.

Shinnie‘s low cross is straight at the away side, right onto the defensive header away from goal.

Peter Pawlett earns Aberdeen another chance, via a corner.

Shinnie almost gets there, with attempted diving header.

Church though, much like in the Celtic game, bundles the ball over the line with a predatory pounce.

1-0 Aberdeen after 35 minutes!

Saints then send, down the other end of the pitch, a ball that eventually finds itself over the bar.

Captain Ryan Jack almost latches onto a expert long ball, a move that could’ve been a second good attempt on goal.

A Saints player is then bundled over behind the referee, and things get shirty. Jack, and Saints’ Danny Swanson are both booked. At one point it looked like the former perhaps had latter in a headlock.

Andrew Considine’s subsequent headed effort lands safely into hands of Mannus.

The late David Bowie’s ‘Heroes’ signals end of play. Perhaps conveying Aberdeen’s status as current frontrunners in the eyes of the Red Army?

Halftime 1-0.

Aberdeen are intercepted, but go on to win a corner. They then come close with another corner.

An Aberdeen header is then nullified by Saints’ defence.

Shinnie finds himself on the floor, and hobbles off. The resulting free kick goes close.

Flood is dogged, winning the ball when the chips were down.

Aberdeen scupper their best chance so far to go two goals ahead.

Saints scramble the ball away, and they’re fortunate the decision points to a goal kick.

Aberdeen’s following advance into box is blown over the bar,

Shinnie’s determination forces a chance in box, but the ball is swept away.

Saints then clear their lines and Aberdeen get a throw in their opponents half.

Aberdeen seem like they’ve kicked a rugby ball over the sticks, to score a conversation, and not a goal. A prime chance wasted.

Saints are then awarded a free kick in a dangerous area after their goal bound man is taken down outside the box.

Church heads down a perfect ball to a teammate and an Aberdeen attack begins. A later move sees Saints side foot the ball into the side netting.

“What’s that, eh?”

This from the usually rather quiet Mark Reynolds, railing against the linesman’s decision.

McGinn appears to fall foul of an over demonstrative Saints man, writhing on the floor.

This follows a dubious decision not to award an offside decision in Aberdeen’s favour but thankfully, Brown saves.

Ashton Taylor again wins a header to keep his team safe.

“Cheat, cheat, cheat, cheat”

This rang through Pittodrie as a Saints man goes down on the wing of the box.

Then a sustained Aberdeen attack ends comfortably in the keeper’s arms.

Shinnie gets booked. McGinn wins the ball but is chopped down.

Taylor comes in with emphatic header to keep team out of danger, and goes out for a throw.

Then a sustained Saints attack ends, thankfully, with an attempt well over the bar.

After 84 minutes Pawlett came off for Scott Wright. He makes an immediate impact, stubborn to the last and not going down for a foul.

Saints send a trundling ball way off the mark.

Four minutes after that substitution, however, St Johnstone are awarded a penalty.

Substitute Liam Craig sends Brown wrong way. Craig turned to the Main and Merkland Stand corner, goading the Aberdeen support, fingers to ears. The intention, supposing, that the sound, or lack of it, was deafening. The wind had been taken out of the sails of the Red Army.

1-1.

Three minutes of additional play were then called.

McGinn blootered the ball over the bar after a meandering dribble around Saints’ box.

“Cheats, cheats, cheats, cheats”

This after the obligatory shaking of hands at the fulltime whistle.

“Oh, when the Saints/
Go marching in
Oh, when the Saints/
Go marching in
I want to be in that number/
When the Saints go marching in”

Some of the Saints were still doing drills after the game. Perhaps those who deserved to win won, as opposed to those who thought it was an entitlement.

Final score: 1-1.

Aberdeen 2 Celtic 1 – Pittodrie Stadium 03.02.16

Opinion, Sport No Responses »

Feb 042016

Aberdeen hung in there to score another consecutive Pittodrie victory over league leaders Celtic, says Voice reporter Andrew Watson.

It was a clear, nippy night. The pitch didn’t fare so well, though. It was torn up really badly.

There really hasn’t been any respite for the surface, in these winter months.

Prior to the match, there was a derisive jeer for linesman passing ball to a Celtic player during a warm up drill.

Perhaps a sign of things to come? The conspiratorial support already sensing a bias towards the men in green and white?

However, hopefully with the tannoys blasting Hard-Fi’s ‘Hard to Beat’, the home side would be geed up and willing to fight, even if decisions won’t go their way.

Building up to the match, the place was brimming, buzzing. AC/DC’s moody ‘Thunderstruck’ was getting the supporters pumped.

Poor Efe Ambrose, his prior sending off gifting Ross County a cup final, didn’t fare well when his name was announced for the bench. The Red Army’s hero Hoop helping the Dons, and hurting the Celts, before the game’s even begun.

As the players came on the pitch, fans in the Dick Donald Stand held aloft streamers of red and silver; and cards red and white.

‘Stand Free’ was ringing through Pittodrie, with only the Hoops huddle interrupting:

“Stand free/
Whoever you may be
We are the famous Aberdeen/
We don’t give a fuck
Whoever you may be/
We are the famous Aberdeen”

Onto the game proper, Celtic threatened early on but the ball is cleared.

An Aberdeen free kick results in half chance for the Dons.

Then there’s a frustrating tussle. Celtic appear to be in the wrong, but it goes in their favour with a low shot in on Dons goal.

Things are quickly becoming heated, could yet get bad tempered.

An in-swinging free kick is picked up by Hoops goalie, Craig Gordon.

Up the other end, Aberdeen are forced into conceding throw in Main Stand/Dick Donald Stand corner.

Celtic hammer in shot but deflected corner. Scott Brown held this resulting ball with authority. The subsequent free kick produced the same result.

New Don Simon Church was found wanting in linkup play with Shaleum Logan.

Celtic drilled goalward, though the ball flew over bar. It looked ominous.

Steven McLean floats promising free kick opportunity over, and well over, bar. What a waste.

Church again tries linkup play, but nobody there. Perhaps still gelling with new teammates.

Logan forces fortuitous throw in Main Stand/Merkland Stand corner.

Leigh Griffiths jeered, falling as he homes in on goal. This was followed by Dons free kick of no consequence.

McLean concedes a stupid free kick, pushing down his opponent. Lucky to get away with it, really.

Aberdeen then have close shave after Celtic corner, the ball bobbing precariously in penalty area.

Referee at this point seems to be awarding decisions to players who tumble over blades of grass. This generally in favour of the Parkhead men.

Brown was then at full stretch, but Celtic attack goes wide.

Suddenly, up the other end, Jonny Hayes rockets in wonder ball. This time it’s Gordon at full stretch. He’s beaten

1-0 Aberdeen 31 minutes into the game! Pittodrie comes to the tune of KC and the Sunshine Band’s ‘Give It Up’, replacing the lyrics with Hayes’ name.

Aberdeen’s Brown dives to keep Dons in lead, swatting the ball away as best he can. He and his back four even keep Celtic corner out of harm’s way.

Back in a more encouraging position, Hayes surges forward and is tackled; but wins a corner, nonetheless.

2-0! McLean gets in an emphatic header; but it’s Church who bundles it over the line, 37 minutes into the game.

“We’re red/
You’re dead
We’re bouncing on your head/
Aberdeen, Aberdeen”

Then, having heard what’s at stake for Celtic manager Ronny Deila if his team’s to lose:

“Ronny/
What’s the score
Ronny, Ronny/
What’s the score”

Moving on, Ashton Taylor tries from distance. Right idea, but a tad high with no real power.

It was thought a hurting Celtic would be a deadly proposition, as with most top teams in any league. They seemed genuinely lacking, though.

There was a flashpoint with Logan swiped to floor, and Celtic earning a yellow card.

Not long after, the ball was thundered into bottom right corner. This was well saved by keeper, Gordon.

There was then a sliding and vital tackle to deny Celtic chance on goal. There was mass applause upon half time.

Without a third goal, it’s not totally unfeasible Celtic could claw a comeback.

Halftime 1-0.

Aberdeen get early chance with corner, which glances far post.

Star man Hayes does well, beating two, three players. He does too much, pressing his luck, not passing it, and dispossessed of the ball.

Knowing the enmity Celtic have with Aberdeen, especially regarding Logan, the Red Army get right behind the defender offering moral support. He’s he taking a throw in the away South/Stand Dick Donald corner:

“There’s only one Shay Logan/
One Shay Logan”

Later a ball is lofted to corner of box, via free kick scramble, but no third goal for the Dons.

There’s then cat calls for Celtic’s Dedryck Boyata as he makes shot-come-cross attempt. Further derision arises as Celtic player puts ball out for throw, and then trips over it.

“You are a Weegie, a fuckin’ Weegie/
You’re only happy on giro day
Your da’s a stealer, your ma’s a dealer/
Please don’t take my hubcaps away”

What follows is a good passing game, but ball into box lands straight into Gordon’s hands.

Down the other end, keeper Brown should’ve challenged for ball, though Hoops too inept to exploit Dons hesitation.

There’s a scandalous lack of offside decision, going very much in Celtic’s favour. Not long after, there’s a scramble that almost results in goal for Glasgow side.

The home side themselves get a flurry of action, and twice. Both times Gordon making brave saves, mopping his floor.

Niall McGinn tries from distance, and the goalie palms it out for a corner.

Taylor gets into a tussle, and is taken to the ground. Somehow referee McLean decides in Celtic’s favour.

The young Craig Storie puts Celtic skipper Scott Brown on the floor, for a needless free kick concession. Griffiths then caught looking for penalty. Storie later gets booked.

McGinn was taken off, in favour of Andrew Considine after 72 minutes.

Shoring up the defence, however, didn’t stop a close Celtic shave and there were unsuccessful calls for a penalty for the away side.

Then there’s a scrap in the box that goes out for a Celtic corner. Ball bobbles dangerously near far corner.

Peter Pawlett was put on, in place of Simon Church after 76 minutes.

A corner of their own was overcooked by Hayes. Opposite end sees Celtic caught offside probing penalty area.

A penalty claim of their own was overlooked by McLean.

“Referee/
You’re such a fuckin’ penis
Referee/
You’re a horse’s arse”

Gordon then once again thwarted Aberdeen, mopping up a set piece.

Hayes was taken off, in favour of Cammy Smith after 86 minutes.

“You’re getting sacked in the morning
You’re getting sacked in the morning/
Sacked in the morning”

Storie checks opposite number and it goes out for a Celtic corner. Taker almost loses footing and’s berated accordingly. There’s a scramble but the Dons clear their lines.

Three minutes of extra time were added. Hayes was announced as man of the match. Cue cheers.

Celtic pounce amid poor defending, but the game is already won for Aberdeen.

2-1 (Griffiths) more or less at the death of the game.

Final score: 2-1.

Aberdeen 1 Dundee 0 – Pittodrie Stadium 22.01.16

Opinion, Sport No Responses »

Jan 232016

Only one goal divided Aberdeen and Dundee but this belied the excitement of the fixture, says Voice reporter Andrew Watson.

It was a chilly Friday night, and the pitch was decidedly brown and muddy. It probably wasn’t even amongst the worst of grounds in the league either, especially at this time of year.
Ex-Don Nicky Low could be seen soaking up the glory after beating his own keeper during a shooting drill. Team sheets also showed Graeme Shinnie to be Dons captain.

Not long after kick off, Aberdeen’s keeper Scott Brown was forced into an embarrassing concession of the ball, chasing it out for a throw in.

There was some good linkup play nipped in the bud up the other end.

Jonny Hayes then forced a corner. Adam Rooney appeared to be hustled off resulting incoming ball.

Kenny McLean later just put a tad too much on ball to corner , putting it out for a goal kick. The ball again found itself in a similar position, but went out for a corner.

A scramble in box almost resulted in a goal, going out, then back into the box, a fingertip save from Scott Bain keeping it from goal. There was then a third situation in the box, which Bain again denied with a fantastic stop.

Brown then pulled off similar heroics at the other end. His backline slipped up not long after, but recovered as Dundee put a dangerous ball across the box. Later they floated the ball completely over bar.

Despite this minor onslaught, Rooney changed things for the home team after 14 minutes.

He completed move instigated by Hayes, who powered in a low and sweeping ball to find his teammate at the back post.

1-0 Aberdeen!

Aberdeen played it safe and put ball out for throw in to quell Dundee advance.

Following that, there was a cynical challenge that put Hayes on the deck as he strode forward. McGinn was flat on his backside taking the resulting free kick.

There was then a good block to deny Dundee good crack on goal.

Back up the other end, Shinnie fought for a ball and was awarded with corner.

David Goodwillie then glanced a low shot just wide of the post as Aberdeen caught Dundee sleeping.

Dundee produced similar from a corner of their own, but Brown snuffed it out.

Heavy touches during play denied Aberdeen good chances on goal.

Then Brown made an excellent block, and teammates mopped up a potential rebound opportunity. A later defensive error left him having to make a brave challenge for the ball, but he managed to retain it in his hands.

One of his backline, Ashton Taylor, delivers an expert ball into opposition box, but Dundee rise to neutralise it.

Dundee later linkup well but intercepted outside Aberdeen’s box.

Hayes wins corner but Bain leapt to catch.

Down the other end, brave goalkeeping from Brown kept Aberdeen’s sheet clean.

There was then another Aberdeen corner put away by Dundee. Subsequent play resulted in another corner, which was saved brilliantly by Bain.

Halftime 1-0.

The White Stripes song ‘Seven Nation Army’ blasted through the speakers, the anthem for the Red Army’s very own band. Maybe a lucky number seven for McLean, a gander that he may help his side to subsequent goals?

Anyway, Dundee were back on the pitch quite quick. They could be seen out doing sprint drills.

Come the opening stages of the second half, Aberdeen sweep away a Dundee advance.

Then Brown had to slide to the ground to stop Dundee attack in its tracks.

Shaleum Logan clashes with opposite number, and both went down. He’s then booked for high feet.

“You’re only sheep shagging bastards/
You’re only sheep shagging bastards”

This was, as many are familiar, followed with the stock response:

“We’re only sheep shagging bastards/
We’re only sheep shagging bastards”

There was also ‘We don’t give a peep, whoever you may be’, for ‘Stand Free’, sung by a younger member of the crowd. I always wondered how kids navigated that one when with their parents…

Anyway, once the vitriol subsided, Bain was forced into yet another Aberdeen a goal denial.

McGinn and Hayes were also unlucky as they bombed forward.

Further excellent play was cut out by the Dark Blues.

There followed an unbelievable scoring opportunity for the home side. It went well over the bar despite being more or less a sitter.

Shinnie then threw himself into a challenge, clattering the ball off opponent upon impact.

Taylor then put the Pittodrie men in danger with a lax header back to Brown. He was lucky to get away with the unsuccessful resulting corner.

In turn, the Dens Park men clawed a corner that should’ve never been, as the result of legitimate offside claim that was not acted upon by the linesman.

In fact, the general rhythm of the game appeared to be continually interrupted by a pedantic referee in Alan Muir.

Logan, however, whipped the ball into the box, but the resulting header was held securely in hands of Bain.

Goodwillie later shrugged off a barge and delivered an expert ball along the ground towards the box.

McGinn then came in with right idea, a shot as opposed to passing into net, but with just too much height on the ball.

The Red Army then had their own opportunity to pour scorn on the opposing team, after Shinnie was floored floor by a particularly bad challenge.

Cammy Smith came onto the pitch, replacing David Goodwillie after 82 minutes.

Dundee star man Bain put out a dangerous ball for a corner. It left the box, only to be put back in. Finally, it went out for a goal kick.

There was also a ball right across penalty area, but no takers.

The other Scott between the sticks, Brown, spilt a hard drive but nobody was nearby to pounce.

There followed another mad scramble. This saw Dundee with a real chance of equalising, but the dud attempt, almost clear on goal, went well over the bar. Albeit the man had his back to goal, and all he could do was hit it overhead.

Towards the end, Aberdeen were screaming for a penalty, but no cigar.

Final score: 1-0.

Aberdeen 0 Partick Thistle 0 – Pittodrie Stadium 30.12.15

Opinion, Sport No Responses »

Dec 312015

Partick Thistle were impenetrable against an Aberdeen side with plenty of endeavour but not enough finesse in the final third, reports Voice’s Andrew Watson.

The pitch was a little more torn than it was for the Caley game Saturday past. That Boxing Day affair was a tad windy, though this night was calmer in that respect.

It would prove to be the tale of the two Thistles, both stealing a point from an at times imposing and hostile Pittodrie.

It was expected Partick would be brushed aside after the Dons struggled, and rallied against the Thistle of Caledonia.

Whoever was policing the music over the tannoy seemed quite ebullient.

First it was The Stone Roses with ‘I Am the Resurrection’. This the phoenix from the ashes after a subsequent draw, aiming for flaming glory and a full three points. This bluntly segued, during the former’s middle section, into the following:

“Goodness/ No, I’ve never known a night like this”
– Hard-Fi – Hard To Beat

This would be the night they put everything right. Perhaps a tad complacent victory would come their way, because they somehow felt they deserved it and can’t be beat?

It wasn’t the same announcer, either. Not the usual speaking through a crackling and faulty sounding tannoy. Maybe something in the air, a touch of superstition, to ensure and obtain victory?

Anyway, the Manchester City baby blue of Partick was sure to get off colour with such a muddy pitch and generally wet conditions.

Their goalkeeper Tomas Cerny was forced into a save with a Jonny Hayes delivery.

The latter then earned a corner for Aberdeen. He takes it, and Niall McGinn earns his side another corner. Cerny saves the resulting non threatening header.

A subsequent McGinn delivery was mopped up by the goalie.

Kenny McLean won the Dons a free kick. Hayes takes the kick, and the Cerny again gets his hands on it.

Not long after, McGinn tees himself off for a wonder shot on goal, but fumbles. Willo Flood cracks one that goes out for a corner. This then comes to no end after a tussle in the box results in a free kick for Partick.

McLean then admirably remains on feet to header to Hayes, who hones in on goal but is mobbed by the back four. His free kick claim is rejected.

There’s then some good Aberdeen defending to deny Thistle. They then go on the counter attack and are unfortunate not to score.

credible claim for a penalty turned down

Thistle are then on the counter attack themselves. There’s a mazy run, but not fruitful. There’s a subsequent shot at Danny Ward, but straight into his hands.

Aberdeen come into some luck with a good free kick opportunity. McGinn drives the ball into the box, but far too low.

There followed a superb, from distance, attempt on goal with Graeme Shinnie smacking his shot off the crossbar.

However, Aberdeen were almost caught out on the counterattack.

McGinn pops up again and beat the last man. However, he was denied by the keeper. Feasibly he could’ve chipped him, but was perhaps seeking to go down the more obvious goal scoring avenue.

Thistle then had a good free kick opportunity just outside Aberdeen’s box. Following this, they’d a credible claim for a penalty turned down.

Another Partick attack was nullified after a superb interception by wingback, Shaleum Logan.

Adam Rooney then clawed play back up the pitch, his determination winning a throw in a fortuitous position.

Skipper Ryan Jack thereafter frustrated things by electing to pass rather than shoot on goal, much to the chagrin of the fans.

Hayes’ dribbling strides were then too big to threaten Thistle back four.

Some hope for an eventual goal returned when Rooney almost expertly received a long ball, just outside the box. He didn’t quite get it, though.

There was some good linkup play with McLean and Hayes, but the goalie cottoned onto it.

The former won a free kick for his team. This, though, was batted away by Thistle.

McGinn then overcooked his shot after beating his man. Shinnie soon did similar, overcooking his delivery into box.

In turn, even McLean admits fault for slipup on pass. A later mishap from him puts Flood in danger and on the back foot.

Cerny couldn’t even be beaten at close range

There was a double clash in the middle of the pitch, both arguably late tackles. Perhaps from this point a sign that the game was about to get bad tempered.

This was followed by one minute of additional play.

Bob Marley and the Wailers’ ‘Three Little Birds’ were yet again reassuring the fans over the tannoy at halftime that victory would yet come.

Human League’s ‘Don’t You Want Me’ stated ‘Peter Pawlett (Baby)’ as a hopeful substitute for after the break.

Furthermore, KC and the Sunshine Band were extoling the virtues of Hayes’ first half performance, with ‘Give It Up’.

Kicking things off again was McLean, who was denied on goal after a commendable mazy run.

Defensively, Ashton Taylor leapt to deny opposition ball into box. His team then went on a counterattack, but were snuffed out.

Aberdeen then absorb a worrying and persistent foray into their box.

Generally, Aberdeen were trying too hard to pass it into the net. There was no sharpshooting with this side.

Flood then conceded free kick for challenging header.

Logan afterwards delivered a deft ball but McGinn couldn’t latch onto it and beat the keeper. Cerny couldn’t even be beaten at close range, with good reflexes.

The other man between the sticks, Ward, was almost caught out with a poor kick out that could’ve been costly.

Flood then came up with a through ball, but was a tad elusive for fellow teammates.

Two of them, the centre backs, combined well to help Ward comfortably catch a potential threat in the box.

Pawlett did eventually, it turns out, come on the pitch on the 65 minute mark, with Jack subbed.

Aberdeen were fortunate not to go a goal down

Generally, Partick were never say die, and keeping their game alive. They clawed away torrent of attack after attack, which started with a corner.

Hayes then won a free kick on corner of the box.

Cerny later dived low to absorb Aberdeen attack. It was all thick and fast, yet they still held on.

Taylor delivered a fine ball, but teammates were marked out.

The man to potentially change things, Pawlett, instigated another barrage. No luck. His muscular runs beating everybody bar the keeper. The latter rising to beat every man in red, no matter how far away from his two sticks.

Thistle then have what could be an essential crack on goal, with a rare corner. No luck.

Aberdeen were fortunate not to go a goal down with some lax marking, leaving a man totally free not far from goal.

Thistle then have another rare corner. Dons manage to bat it away.

Shinnie was integral to the back fours clean sheet aspirations, snuffing out a dangerous attack and deflecting a goal bound ball out for a corner. Thistle are really getting into the game, attacking wise, by this point.

Then 83 minutes into the game Cammy Smith came on for McGinn.

Finally, Ward’s beaten. Off target, though.

Logan, though, is later booked for what was arguably a cynical challenge.

Yet again, Aberdeen cannot beat this resolute Partick side. Even up close, where scoring seems a given, there’s no goal to be seen.

There looks to be plenty additional play, especially with an injury in the Main Stand/Dick Donald Stand corner. A Firhill man is on the floor, and looks it might be serious.

This was followed by five minutes of additional play. Cue boos from Red Army when Partick take their time for a substitution.

One last lash on goal for Aberdeen, but over the bar. Ward has last kick of the game before whistle sounds.

Final score: 0-0.

Aberdeen 2 Inverness CT 2 – Pittodrie Stadium 26.12.15

Opinion, Sport No Responses »

Dec 272015

Aberdeen were almost comeback kings against Inverness but had to be content securing a point against their Highland rivals, says Voice’s Andrew Watson.

The pitch looked not bad considering the weather.

Having said that, it looked the game might descend into a mud bath quite quickly.

The groundsmen did all they could to keep the playing surface level.

There were boos when Willie Collum was announced as referee for the match, a man that has never been popular with the Dons support.

The rain was absolutely lashing down, and Pittodrie being so near the North Sea perhaps it was little wonder.

The Real Madrid white of Inverness looked set to go off colour fairly quickly in this mucky contest.

Opening the game, there was some pretty good link up play between Shaleum Logan and Jonny Hayes. The ball unfortunately went out of play, though.

Captain Ryan Jack also teamed up with the aforementioned duo not long after. The trio were, however, swiftly dealt with.

Adam Rooney had slightly more luck, but his low drive towards goal was slightly lacking power and precision.

Steven McLean figured in things, winning a header, but couldn’t be kept in play.

Logan couldn’t quite keep in a speculative attacking delivery, too.

Some close up action in the box followed, but with no red shirts getting a foot on the ball.

Danny Ward then saved Aberdeen’s blushes, coming out to shut out an Inverness advance. Further to that, a good opening for the away side was thrown away as the ball was skied over the bar from distance.

Down the other end of the park, Ashton Taylor lofted a ball beyond his teammates and straight into the hands of the opposing keeper.

There was then a contentious offside decision as Aberdeen closed in on goal.

Graeme Shinnie then found himself fouled, inviting a free kick opportunity. The resulting run of play saw McLean come close with a drive on goal.

There was another set piece which went out for a corner. There was some good attacking play, but Caley managed to scramble it away.

A ball from Andrew Considine was caught by keeper, Owain Fon Williams. From thereon the Caley Jags carved open Aberdeen and almost scored.

Niall McGinn put in a good ball into the opposing box, but nobody rose to the occasion and fought for it. Williams catches.

Referee Collum brought forth the ire of the Red Army for seemingly awarding a foul that was arguably a slip on the wet surface.

Considine then showed endeavour with a run down the wing into the box, and though unsuccessful, won a throw in for his troubles.

Not long after, there was an in-swinging corner headed over the bar. Just as inaccurate was Logan’s overly clever long ball, nowhere near any of his teammates in that final third of the pitch.

On the other hand, there was some encouraging work with McLean tussling to maintain possession. However, his dribbling direction was anticipated by his opposing number.

There was a good ball into their box, though Considine’s header was a tad weak.

Keeper Ward mopped up another Aberdeen slip at the back.

Inverness almost scored an own goal trying to put out an Aberdeen cross, this resulting in a corner.

Then came a moment that was perhaps inevitable. Paul Quinn was pushed aside far too easily, and the resulting cutback was guided into the goal.

0-1 (Liam Polworth) 41 minutes into the game.

Aberdeen were carved open again and were lucky not to be two goals down. That moment would come, though.

Half time was called when Aberdeen were advancing toward goal. This incurring boos from the Red Army.

Bob Marley and the Wailers’ ‘Three Little Birds’ were once again reassuring them over the tannoy that everything would be alright. Boney M’s ‘Danny (Ward) Cool’ stated the only positive of the game so far, that our keeper’s cool head under pressure was keeping us in the game.

By this point the pitch was looking pretty torn up. It was also getting a tad windier.

The Red Army was told to ‘Place Your Hands’ and put them up by Reef. This quick post-interval snippet was hoped to gee up the fans and, in turn, the players.

However, it was only two minutes into the second half when Inverness found themselves with a penalty, and a potential two goal cushion over the home side. Again, Quinn was at fault.

0-2 (Greg Tansey).

In response Hayes fired in a cross, but skied it for a goal kick.

David Goodwillie came on the pitch at the 49 minute mark, with Quinn coming off.

The run of play had the Caledonian Thistle faithful singing ‘You’re not famous anymore’. They were almost shut up with a good attempt on goal.

Hayes redeemed himself retrieving a wayward ball, but came unstuck – as did the team as a whole. They appeared to have little desire, fight, to chase the ball if not a pinpoint pass.

There was, though, a flurry of action in the Inverness goal but nothing of note happened. After that, there was also some expert last gasp defending holding back the Aberdeen attack.

Williams ended up on the floor after an incident in his box. His teammates took this as an opportunity to restock on fluids whilst his head got bandaged up.

Following this there was some silly long range shooting from Aberdeen, given how windy conditions were.

An instance in which this almost worked was a cross whipped in but Williams punched it away.

Considine was then fortunate that a foul was awarded in his favour. He was well and truly beaten by his opposite half.

Aberdeen were throwing everything and the kitchen sink against Inverness, but did it with little of the guile needed to be successful in the final third of the pitch. The ball did almost cross that line, to be fair.

McGinn eventually pounced to claw one back 73 minutes into the game.

1-2!

Not long after, Aberdeen had a curling effort wide of the post. During this, also, Collum incensed the home support with the soft awarding of yet more contentious free kicks.

Logan then intervened in the nick of time to keep away that third goal.

McGinn could’ve been the hero, but touch in front of goal was poor.

McLean, arguably with the moment of the match, thundered a shot that appeared to rattle off the underside of the crossbar, but no luck.

Adam Rooney then picked out to score from the penalty spot after a hand ball.

2-2 90 minutes into the game!

Six minutes followed that penalty. A winning goal could feasibly come from either side.

Goodwillie slid well to battle for ball, but lost it.

Game over. A tough way to go about earning a measly point. Good fight back, though. Perhaps the weather went against, though that’s often a leveller for anyone in football.

Final score: 2-2.

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