Premiership Archives - Page 5 of 5

Aberdeen 2 Kilmarnock 0 – Pittodrie Stadium 09.08.15

Aug 092015

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

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

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

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

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

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

1-0 Aberdeen!

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

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

2-0 Aberdeen eleven minutes into the second half!

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

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

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

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

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

Final score: 2-0.

Aberdeen 0 St Johnstone 1 – Pittodrie Stadium 24.05.15

Opinion, Sport No Responses »

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.

Fine 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 1 Inverness CT 0 – Pittodrie Stadium 08.04.15

Opinion, Sport No Responses »

Apr 102015

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

It 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 2 Motherwell 1 – Pittodrie Stadium 13.03.15

Opinion, Sport No Responses »

Mar 142015

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

It 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.

Aberdeen 3 Ross County 0 – Pittodrie Stadium 20.09.14

Opinion, Sport No Responses »

Sep 212014

Aberdeen punished struggling Staggies with some fine attacking football at Pittodrie, recounts Voice reporter Andrew Watson.

It was a fine, reasonably warm autumn afternoon on the north-east coast of Scotland.

The Dons started positively with Niall McGinn’s attempt struck off for offside. However, there was action at the other end, too, with Jamie Langfield looking beaten.

Fortunately terrible finishing from the Ross County forward meant that Aberdeen could maintain momentum.

Again, McGinn was involved in some quality play, now stemming from a corner. He delivered an expert ball to man of Eire, Adam Rooney.

1-0 Aberdeen with a header 20 minutes in!

The Pittodrie players then pounced upon poor defending by the Highlanders. Classy ex-Dundee United man David Goodwillie doubled their lead with a free header just six minutes later, aided by an excellent McGinn free kick.

2-0 Aberdeen!

Then something strange happened, which this reporter couldn’t fathom. There was a commotion of sorts in the centre of the pitch, and cards were dished out. Apparently Willo Flood and Ryan Jack were cautioned for arguing between themselves.

Flood made amends early into the second half, spraying a ball which Rooney left for midfield maestro Peter Pawlett.

3-0 Aberdeen after 50 minutes, barely into the second half!

Jeffrey Monakana came on for McGinn seven minutes later. Pawlett then came off for Cammy Smith at 75 minutes. Manager Derek McInnes then swapped Rooney for Barry Robson on the 83 minute mark.

Englishman Monakana had already impressed coming on against Celtic at Parkhead last weekend and didn’t disappoint at Pittodrie either.

He made some good runs and showed promise, delivering a through ball to Goodwillie who evaded the keeper but just couldn’t quite get the ball in the net.

Hopefully these two can become prominent playmakers for the season ahead.

Final score: 3-0.

Summer Fitness Drive for Female Football Fans

Aberdeen City, Events, Sport No Responses »

Apr 072014

With thanks to Dave Macdermid.

AFC female staff with Emma Fisher (centre front). Newsline Media Limited.

Following the very successful ‘Football Fans In Training’ initiative, Aberdeen Football Club, in partnership with the SPFL Trust, has announced that it’s running a similar programme for female supporters.
The 12-week physical activity and healthy eating course, commencing on Monday 21st April, is designed to help women become fitter and lose weight, and to maintain these changes on a long term basis.

Each week will involve a level of physical training at Pittodrie. A classroom session will advise fans on how to eat more healthily, and introduce easy steps that can be taken to become fitter.

The sessions will be delivered by AFC’s Claire Garrett and Emma Fisher. Claire commented:

“We are really pleased to offer our loyal female supporters the opportunity to participate in this enjoyable programme which, to date, has only been available to males. However, it has been recognised that there is both a requirement and a demand for our female fans to be included in the initiative.”

Emma added:

“The sessions will be taken by female members of staff for female participants and will create a comfortable environment for people to discuss any issues relating to weight loss or body confidence. We would also encourage fans to bring a friend along and give FFIT Women at AFC a go!”

For further information or to register for the programme, contact scott.duncan@afc.co.uk. Participants must be aged 35 and 65 and be at least a dress size 16.

Aberdeen V Ross County – Pittodrie Stadium 29.12.13

Aberdeen City, Sport No Responses »

Dec 302013

What’s the logic in scoring from a free kick yet not a penalty, ponders Voice reporter Andrew Watson.

Weather wise it was a clear sky, if not a bit on the chilly side. The Reds were relentless in the opening minutes of the game and were duly rewarded.

Nicky Low and his teammates elected to cause maximum confusion with a set piece straight from the training ground.

He curled the ball beautifully past the opposing keeper, much in manner Niall McGinn has scored recently.

1-0 (Low) after only two minutes!

The Dons onslaught continued, with a successful penalty claim seemingly only minutes after.

The crowd’s reaction wasn’t too different from the cheer you’d get when a goal had been scored. In fact, and sorry to criticise, they seemed to take for granted that they were already now two goals ahead.

Scott Vernon lumbered up for the spot kick, and to be honest I felt my cynicism rise and my hope fade. I hated being proven right in such circumstances as the Staggies keeper parried Vernon’s shot expertly.

73 minutes into the game, with possession metaphorically almost on the other foot, midfielder Ryan Jack left the pitch to be replaced by Barry Robson. Four minutes later, Pawlett came off for Cammy Smith. At the 84 minute mark, Josh Magennis came on for Scott Vernon.

All in all, Aberdeen enjoyed a hearty proportion of the possession but struggled to turn that into goals. Too often they passed backwards and from side to side, with little incision when pushing forward. Long balls didn’t seem to work very well either.

However, players like Mark Reynolds proved in their absence how much they’re needed in the team. It appeared, also, that boss Derek McInnes was deliberately resting players, like captain Russell Anderson.

Final score: 1-0.

Aberdeen V Motherwell – Pittodrie Stadium 26.12.13

Aberdeen City, Sport No Responses »

Dec 262013

Aberdeen were left with their tails between their legs by a frustrating and defensively stubborn Motherwell side, says Voice reporter Andrew Watson.

Brisk weather conditions ensured the match would be an evenly contested outing, as opposed to the freakish winds that aided Barry Robson’s corner kick goal against St Mirren about a fortnight ago.

He insisted in an interview earlier, however, that it was entirely deliberate!

Moving on, Aberdeen had a clear cut chance very early on in the game, with Jonny Hayes sending a free header totally off target. His timely tackles throughout more than made up for this.

The Dons dominated most of the first half with chances aplenty. However, there was little incision, with many backward and side to side passing merely to maintain possession.

After the break, Motherwell came out resolved and ready to turn the tables on the Pittodrie side. Slack passing between Willo Flood and Ryan Jack gave opportunity for the Fir Park men to exploit.

0-1 (Lionel Ainsworth) after 49 minutes.

70 minutes into the game, defender Joe Shaughnessy left the pitch to be replaced by Josh Magennis. Fifteen minutes later, Robson came off for Craig Murray, and Calvin Zola came on for Scott Vernon.

I suppose it’s only karma that Aberdeen would have a seemingly legitimate goal disallowed. Why, only a fortnight ago, the Reds benefitted from a similar decision going against St Mirren.

The crowd’s reaction, a mixture of relief and euphoria was what you’d usually expect come a goal. However, there was a marked difference. No goal scorer mentioned over the tannoy system.

I daresay that they missed Mark Reynolds in the heart of defence. Also, starting with a player of the size and stature of Zola may have helped batter, bruise and weary the well drilled Steelmen.

Final score: 0-1.

Aberdeen v St Mirren: Pittodrie Stadium 14.12.13

Aberdeen City, Sport No Responses »

Dec 162013

It was, at times, a scrappy victory, though a victory nonetheless, recounts Voice reporter Andrew Watson.

St Mirren were first off the block with a ball whipped in from the wing, and then turned in to beat Jamie Langfield.

Fortunately for the Dons, this was chalked off for offside.

Not too long afterwards, Scott Vernon came in with a goal, which somewhat begs the question as to why he doesn’t start more often.

20 minutes into the game, keeper Langfield kicked the ball up the park to find Vernon. The ball took an awkward bounce, befuddling the centre-backs and betwixting the keeper. The Englishman managed to control the ball, and then bundle it into the back of the net.

1-0 Aberdeen!

Much of the remainder of the first half saw the Dandies under the cosh. Vital interceptions were made to avoid an equaliser.

Come the second half things changed, but only slightly. Willo Flood came off for Jonny Hayes after 54 minutes.

12 minutes later there was a corner kick opportunity which Barry Robson struck, curling inwards, defying all – and even the keeper. Can’t say I’m convinced it was deliberate, but a goal’s a goal.

2-0 Aberdeen!

Robson was then substituted on the 71 minute mark, replaced by Nicky Low. Aberdeen then made their third and final change after 86 minutes. This was to take off Peter Pawlett, who’d done a power of work, and bring on Joe Shaughnessy.

It’s definitely good that the Reds are grinding out scrappy, and I daresay sometimes flukey results like this.

Final score: 2-0.

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