League Archives - Page 8 of 13

Aberdeen 0 Dundee United 2 – Pittodrie Stadium 10.08.14

Aug 132014

Aberdeen get hammered by their New Firm rivals, rants Voice reporter Andrew Watson.

It was an overcast afternoon, not too hot and not too cold. Perfect conditions for Scottish football.

Initially it was end to end stuff from both teams. Unfortunately this would be pretty much the best the Dons could muster offensively, unsuccessfully able to break the deadlock despite a plethora of opportunities.

Dundee United then got into their stride, pouncing upon a poor pass back by Dandies’ new boy Ash Taylor.

0-1 Dundee United (Ryan Dow) on the 29 minute mark.

“There’s only one Jamie Langfield,” the Arab Army sarcastically sang.

The Red Army were to suffer more at the hands of the Tangerines, though. Not before Niall McGinn volleyed off the post, mind. Typical.

0-2 Dundee United (Gary Mackay-Steven) just before half time.

“There’s only…”

You know the rest.

Barry Robson came off for Adam Rooney after the break. Nicky Low then came on for Andrew Considine at 81 minutes. Neither substitution really seemed to make a difference.

0-3 Dundee United (substitute Chris Erskine) punishing the dismal Dons at the death thanks to a tactical switch by boss McNamara.

One can only hope that this crap display is only due to missing key players like captain Russell Anderson and wingman Jonny Hayes. Hopefully the problems don’t lie any deeper than that.

On the other hand, a squad seemingly as strong as Aberdeen’s should fare well against most teams without their ideal starting eleven all the time.

Final score: 0-3.

Aberdeen 0 Motherwell 1 – Pittodrie Stadium 11.05.14

Opinion, Sport No Responses »

May 122014

All Aberdeen needed to secure second place and a good crack at the Europe League was a draw, but this was snatched from them in the dying seconds of the game, reports Andrew Watson.

It was a wet affair, and some players losing their footing on the pitch was testament to that.
Motherwell fans were rowdy throughout, and let fly silver streamers onto the pitch at kickoff.

The Reds had a large chunk of the possession and the most chances on goal, but never quite had the precision to finish the job.

Things really only changed when the Steelmen brought on James McFadden after 76 minutes.

That said, Peter Pawlett had a clear cut chance chalked off for offside. However, seconds from the death, Motherwell whipped in a free kick that eluded Jamie Langfield.

Upon closer inspection, it looked as if he were barged off the ball. Russell Anderson made a vital clearance off the line, but this came to no avail on account of the rebound.

The ball then somehow crossed the line. Dejection.

0-1 (Craig Reid).

They feasibly had one last chance at attack to level the game, but time, and what little of it, was of the essence. As the ball approached the final third, the game was over.

Aberdeen still has a Europa League place, but it’s been a somewhat frustrating end to the season, especially since they missed out on that Scottish Cup Final spot.

Having beat champions Celtic on the way there, it was considered a formality that they’d at least make an appearance on May 17.

Saying that, although missing out on second place is gutting, it’s a fair few years since they last finished in the top three; let alone the top six!

Final score: 0-1.

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Aberdeen 1 St Johnstone 1 – Pittodrie Stadium 26.04.14

Opinion, Sport No Responses »

Apr 282014

A practically full strength Aberdeen side struggled make an impact in a rather torrid game, notes Voice reporter Andrew Watson.

It was a misty day with not too bad a wind blowing. Dons fans in the South Stand unfurled a banner simply stating ‘Derek McInnes Manager of the Year’.

It didn’t take long to break the deadlock.

Clark Robertson made a poor pass back trying to find Mark Reynolds and the Saints jumped at the opportunity.

0-1 St Johnstone (Stevie May) on the 8 minute mark.

It was twenty three minutes later before Aberdeen suitably responded. A similar mistake was made in the McDiarmid Park men’s box and Adam Rooney leapt to beat the keeper, coolly knocking the ball into the net.

1-1

Barry Robson came on for Clark Robertson come 57 minutes. Peter Pawlett then came off for Cammy Smith eleven minutes later.

Aberdeen made their final substitution four minutes from fulltime, with Calvin Zola replacing Niall McGinn.

Keeper Jamie Langfield almost threw the game away after he misjudged a pass back.

The only positives this weekend in the Reds race for Europe was the 5-1 demolition of Motherwell by the hands of a rampant Dundee United at Tannadice.

Final score: 1-1.

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Aberdeen 1 Dundee U 1 – Pittodrie Stadium 29.03.14

Aberdeen City, Opinion, Sport No Responses »

Mar 312014

Aberdeen looked to be missing some key men in this sometimes intense yet drab affair, says Voice reporter Andrew Watson.

It was a grey and overcast afternoon which very much summed up some of the football that was being played.

The Tangerine faithful were on song, and gave their former players Barry Robson and Willo Flood stick.

As a riposte, the Red Army dug into their New Firm derby opposition with a rendition of ‘Dundee slums’.

To those none the wiser, it’s about eating rats and revelling in it, etc.

Moving on, it wasn’t long before Dundee United opened the scoring. They pounced onto a poor clearance from captain Russell Anderson and got an opportunists goal.

0-1 Dundee United (Paul Paton) on the 6 minute mark.

The rest of the half was very frustrating, and it was only after the break that the tide changed in Aberdeen’s favour. Niall McGinn moved up front alongside striker Adam Rooney, a timely tactical switch by gaffer Derek McInnes.

A combination of this formation alteration, and Robson’s dominance in set pieces, prevailed to level the game.

McGinn found Robson’s long ball, and headed only yards from the goal line.

1-1!

Cammy Smith came off for Declan McManus twenty five minutes later. The Dons endeavoured right into injury time to find the winning goal, but that clinical touch in the final third was amiss.

They’re sadly missing Jonny Hayes and Peter Pawlett, though their squad should really be strong enough to withstand the loss of only two players.

Final score: 1-1.

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Aberdeen 2 Kilmarnock 1- Pittodrie Stadium 22.03.14

Aberdeen City, Opinion, Sport No Responses »

Mar 232014

Two cheap goals at either end of the pitch in the early minutes of the first half ensured this to be a closely contested outing, writes Voice reporter Andrew Watson.

After some light drizzle it was a surprise that injured heroes Jonny Hayes and Peter Pawlett got wet via other means. That being the pitch sprinklers whilst parading the League Cup, five minutes prior to kickoff.
There was even The Human League being played on the tannoy so the fans could chant ‘Peter Pawlett Baby’ over their hit ‘Don’t You Want Me’.

The duo were sorely missed in the centre of the park, and that’s where Kilmarnock found their opening.

0-1 Kilmarnock (Kris Boyd) after 11 minutes.

The crowd proceeded for the remainder of the game to jibe Boyd with chants of ‘sumo’, digging at his weight issues over the years.

Aberdeen didn’t have to wait long for a response. Nicky Low and Adam Rooney passed between each other to force space in the box, and Rooney duly drilled into the corner on the 17 minute mark.

1-1!

There wasn’t much to write home about after that; in terms of the first half, anyway. However, Niall McGinn had a bit of a howler; missing at least two clear cut chances to put his team ahead.

Things appeared to be approaching into stalemate in the second half, but tactical changes ensured against this. Low was called to the bench in favour of Barry Robson after 61 minutes.

This geed up the Reds, and defender Mark Reynolds delivered a ball which Ryan Jack found on the 72 minute mark.

2-1 Aberdeen!

McGinn was then replaced by Declan McManus fourteen minutes later.

The Dons held their nerve against the Rugby Park men, eking out a valuable victory.

All in all it’s good they’re managing to win in such a fashion as this. I mean to miss numerous chances to score, and not to regret it.

Final score: 2-1.

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Aberdeen 1 Dumbarton 0 – Pittodrie Stadium 08.03.14

Aberdeen City, Opinion, Sport No Responses »

Mar 112014

There wasn’t much between the Dons and Sons in this Scottish Cup quarter final tie, recounts Voice reporter Andrew Watson.

Cold yet relatively windless, it was the match everyone thought would be a wipe out for the away side, and that Dumbarton would be swept away under a deluge of goals inflicted upon them by a stubborn Aberdeen side.

In reality, the only incident that put anything between the two teams was an Aberdeen goal after 53 minutes.

Set piece king Barry Robson found the head of Adam Rooney not long into the second half via a corner, where before, the Reds were generally under the cosh and were lucky not to be at least a goal down.

1-0 Aberdeen!

There were some hairy moments for the home side as the Championship outfit quested for an answer to Rooney’s effort.

Niall McGinn then came on for Cammy Smith after 70 minutes. Scott Vernon followed, replacing goal scorer Rooney on the 83 minute mark.

Robson left the pitch four minutes later, with Nicky Low coming off the bench.

It’s definitely good that Aberdeen are a side able to fashion themselves as a team able to grind out results when not everything is going their way.

On the other hand, it’s a tad worrying that they struggled so much against lower league opposition. They’ll have to turn on the style a tad more to beat teams like their League Cup rivals Inverness.

It could perhaps be put down to fatigue given the spate of fixtures they’ve had this last thirty days or so.

Final score: 1-0.

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Aberdeen 1 St Johnstone 0 – Pittodrie Stadium 1.03.14

Aberdeen City, Opinion, Sport No Responses »

Mar 032014

St Johnstone will be smarting after failing to secure a draw, let alone all three points, reasons Voice reporter Andrew Watson.

It was a chilly afternoon at Pittodrie, and the home crowd were treated to an early goal.

Ryan Jack from 25-yards out hit the ball with no real conviction or power and still managed to beat the keeper and all after only 8 minutes.

1-0 Aberdeen!

In all honesty there’s not much to report from there onwards. The McDiarmidPark men put the Dons under consistent pressure. They rattled shots of the post and sometimes their own bad luck, rather than ineptitude, kept them off target.

Goal scorer Jack left the pitch on the 63 minute mark, with Barry Robson replacing. Niall McGinn also came off for Cammy Smith.

15 minutes later Pater Pawlett came off for Nicky Low. The latter was involved in the second booking of ex-Reds striker Steven MacLean, and duly got him sent off for his troubles.

Aberdeen were definitely a tad lucky to come out as victors in this contest, and a draw would have been a fairer result. Had St Johnstone taken all their chances, they’d have been outright victors.

However, it’s good to see the Dandies hold on stubbornly to narrow leads. Competing at the top level requires an instinct to grind out results against stiff opposition.

If Aberdeen keep up this form, we’ll be looking forward to two cup finals and perhaps finish as runners up in the league.

Final score: 1-0.

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Aberdeen 2 Celtic 1 – Pittodrie Stadium 25.02.14

Aberdeen City, Opinion, Sport 2 Responses »

Feb 262014

Squeaky bum time for the duration, but a vital victory against an until now unbeaten Celtic side reports Voice’s Andrew Watson.

The wind blew through Pittodrie, and along with it came a rain which at times hailed horizontally.

The velocity of play was intense and made the mind boggle as to how it could be maintained throughout.

It didn’t take the crowd long to be up in arms.

The home support greeted Virgil van Dijk’s sending off as one would welcome a goal or a cup final. So after only 12 minutes, Celtic were down to ten men.

Although this somewhat evened up proceedings, Celtic managed to put Aberdeen under a lot of pressure regardless.

On the 41 minute mark, Niall McGinn found Jonny Hayes. The Dubliner took a chance from thirty yards and found the top corner, denting Fraser Forster’s clean sheet record.

1-0 Aberdeen!

Only 4 minutes later McGinn found on form Adam Rooney, whose diving header in turn found the net.

2-0 Aberdeen!

What proceeded in the second half was sustained pressure from the Parkhead men, and if I could blame anyone for what followed I would point to Alan Tate. His poor headed clearance handed Celtic a goal, and a way back into the game.

2-1 (James Forrest) after 62 minutes.

From where I was sitting, in the Main Stand, the Englishman could have made a pass back to Jamie Langfield, but opted to head out the box; which inevitably found Scott Brown.

Tate left the pitch on the 83 minute mark, with Joe Shaughnessy coming on. Shaleum Logan also came off to make way for Russell Anderson.

Peter Pawlett came off after 92 minutes to be replaced by Scott Vernon.

The Dons were definitely lucky to win this one, though it must be said that Celtic took for granted they’d eventually win the game.

Final score: 2-1.

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Aberdeen 0 Inverness CT 1 – Pittodrie Stadium 18.01.14

Opinion, Sport No Responses »

Jan 192014

The Dons finally bottled it today, raves Voice reporter Andrew Watson.

With over 12,000 in attendance, it’s clear the Dons would be playing in front of an expectant crowd. A crowd expecting victory
It was a chilly afternoon, if not a little bit misty. Nothing the Pittodrie floodlight system couldn’t handle, though. This meant Barry Robson could arguably contend his early corner kick shot wasn’t just a wayward delivery that hit off the top of the crossbar and top netting.

Aberdeen dominated possession but did little with it, and they were to suffer the consequences for not being more clinical.

Thistle looked dangerous on the attack, particularly on the break. Their forward was generously gifted a shot from ten yards out and pounced.

0-1 (Danny Williams) after 22 minutes

Four minutes later, the home support broke out in rapturous applause. This was to mark the life – and death – of young Aberdeen fan, Cammy Smith.

This positivity starkly contrasted with the later frustration of the home crowd when the referee got in the way of play. He feebly ducked the oncoming ball unsuccessfully and got hit. He duly had abuse hurled at him for his trouble.

Unfortunately there was little worthy of a mention in the remainder of the proceedings.

Alan Tate was replaced by Joe Shaughnessy after 58 minutes. A minute later, Robson came off for Jonny Hayes. At the 65 minute mark, Josh Magennis came on for Scott Vernon.

Of the last substitution, if was clear that Vernon had to be taken off. If I had the choice I’d have taken off Niall McGinn too. These two seem to be just going through the motions, these last few games.

The most bitterly ironic thing is thatf Gregg Wylde, who moved to St Mirren the other day, might have made the difference in this game; if only to take a point instead of none at all.

Final score: 0-1.

Aberdeen 1 Hibernian 0 – Pittodrie Stadium 10.01.14

Aberdeen City, Sport No Responses »

Jan 132014

Well, they do tend to bottle the big games but this time the Dons delivered, pontificates Voice reporter Andrew Watson.

Anytime Aberdeen are in the ascendency and give their fans the opportunity to pack ‘Todders’ to the rafters, and they duly comply, they disappoint and leave the Red Army irate at the whistle for full-time.

This time, however, was different.

A brisk air with little wind made for ideal weather conditions, especially considering the time of year.

I had my free press pass hot drink and pie to warm the cockles, but felt like a heretic ditching the famous Pittodrie Pie for a more salubrious gastronomical experience – ala steak pie; a shameless premium cut off of one of Angus The Bull’s pals. Sorry Angus!

The Easter Road men dominated early proceedings, but more or less slunk into anonymity, with occasional raids into the opposition’s penalty area. There were also sizeable claims for a penalty by the home crowd, gobsmacked that referee Craig Thomson waved play on.

On the face of it, the only other part of the game worth mentioning lies well into the heart of the second half, three minutes shy of full-time and four minutes after Scott Vernon came off for Calvin Zola.

Willo Flood picked up a seemingly innocuous clearance from the Hibees back four, and thundered it into the roof of the net from twenty-five yards out. Cue home crowd going absolutely bananas, considering they probably resigned themselves to settle for a dull, goalless draw.

1-0 (Flood) after 87 minutes.

Two minutes later, Jonny Hayes left the pitch to be replaced by Russell Anderson. At the 92 minute mark, Josh Magennis came on for Niall McGinn.

All in all, Aberdeen were almost frustrated by a stubborn and resolutely defensive Hibernian side. I dare say the timely introduction – almost too late – of Zola into the field of play changed the home side’s fortunes.

New boy Alan Tate seemed solid enough if not slightly ungainly at times. I hope to eventually eat my words, and that he goes on to be a worthwhile addition to a promising Aberdeen squad.

Final score: 1-0.

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