retired_confal2

What a start to the season! Not what the friendly results suggested

Enjoying this, and hope to see some more soon :thup:

retired_quique

A good performance in the last game keeps me level with Celtic on points.It was good to see Anderson back in action as club captain he is probably the most important player at the club.
David Preece and Chris Clark who are out of contract in the summer have started talks with the Dons about renewing their deals,Both have played a big part in the team and i think we should have it all tied up by the end of next week.
Chris Clark puts pen to paper on a new 3 year deal which is fantastic news,the midfielder has really established himself in the first team and has had a big part to play this year.David Preece follows Clark and signs a 3 year deal too,Preece has been Mr consistant this year keeping an impressive 8 clean sheets in 12 games.
Darren Mackie and Fergus Tiernan keep their place in the Scotland under 21 squad.
There was also a boost for Aberdeens defence as three of them were called up to the Scotland squad for the play off against Holland.Kevin McNaughton and Russell Anderson kept their place plus an uncapped Phil McGuire was to be called up by Berti Vogts.
Back to league business first and Dunfermile up next,the scout reports they use a 3-5-2 and are a good side he also adds the forward line has a lot of experience.

ABERDEEN LINE UP:-
Preece,McNaughton,McQuilken,Anderson(C),McGuire,Cl ark,Paulinho,Sheerin,Mackie,Bavidge,Prest.
SUB:-Goram,Rossiter,Tiernan,Heikkeinen,Morgan.

ABERDEEN 1 DUNFERMLINE 0PREMIER LEAGUE
A good first half performance from Aberdeen here as Prest and Mackie caused all sorts of problems.Mackie could have scored a few himself by the time he was brought down just outside the box by Mason.Paulinho lined up the free kick and curled a unstoppable shot past the keeper 1-0(32mins.)Paulinho run the midfield for Aberdeen and showed his skill on a few occasions,Aberdeen made some subs at half time due to players picking up slight knocks,Tiernan and Morgan on for Clark and Bavidge(45 mins.)The second half was a dull affair with Phil McGuire in superb form to stop any Dunfermline attack before it started.The game finished 1-0 with either team able to make a breakthrough in the second half.

REF:-Craig Thomson
YELLOW CARDS:-Mackie(Aberdeen)
RED CARDS:-None
MAN OF THE MATCH:-Paulinho(Aberdeen)
ATTENDANCE:-18100

The slight knocks to Clark and Bavidge wont keep them out and they are free to train on monday.
A week off for international games will give most the team a rest and give them a chance to get back to full fitness.
McNaughton and Anderson played for Scotland as they were beat 1-0 by Holland in the first leg of the playoff.
The time off gave me a chance to watch the younger guys in action and i was really impressed by Michele Lombardi he could be the next youth to get his top team debut.
Scotland were beat 1-0 in the second leg of the playoffs as Phil McGuire made his debut as a sub,Anderson and McNaughton started the match.
Scott Booth tells the local paper that hes disillusioned with life at the club and dislikes his current manager.Booth will leave the club in january if a buyer is found.
Hearts up next and the scout has reported they play a 4-4-2 formation with Andy Kirk a constant threat in attack.

ABERDEEN LINE UP:-
Preece,McNaughton,McQuilken,Anderson(C),McGuire,Cl ark,Paulinho,Sheerin,Mackie,Bavidge,Prest.
SUB:-Goram,Rossiter,Tiernan,Heikkeinen,Morgan.

HEARTS 0 ABERDEEN 2PREMIER LEAGUE
Both teams started slowly and by half time had managed only one shot at goal each.Prest had the Dons best chance while Kirk wasted Hearts best chance.The second half was just as slow for a long while as Gunn changed things to try and change the game.Tiernan and Morgan coming on for Paulinho and Prest(68mins.)Only 3 minutes later a free kick by Clark picked out McGuire who Powered a header past the keeper 1-0(71mins.)Then sub Morgan found some space after a ball from Mackie he hit a shot that was saved by Moilanen and Bavidge was there to place the ball into the net 2-0(78mins.)Valois had a late chance for Hearts but his volley was well saved by Preece.Most Hearts fans would not have seen this chance as most of them decided to leave after the Dons scored thier second.It finished 2-0.

REF:-John Rowbotham
YELLOW CARDS:-McQuilken,Paulinho(Aberdeen)
RED CARDS:-None
MAN OF THE MATCH:-Phil McGuire(Aberdeen)
ATTENDANCE:-16175

PREMIER LEAGUE TOP 3:-(After 14 games)
Aberdeen Points 37
Celtic Points 34
Hibs Points 27

retired_quique

Cheers OM Dave the first few friendlys i gave a few of the not so good players a game to see who had a future,the last 3 friendlys prouduced better results.

After the Hearts game Bavidge pulls me over to complain about his shoulder which has gave him a bit of bother over the last few weeks.After an x-ray the physio informs me he will be out for two month to fix the problem.This is a massive blow as he is the clubs top scorer this season and has chipped in with some important goals.
Mark Rossiter breaks a wrist in training and will be out of top team action for 3 weeks.
Millwall put a shock 675k bid in for Sheerin.I know he has been a good player for me this year but i have accepted the bid as at 29 i might not get another offer like this.
Dundee up next and Jim Duffy plays a direct 4-3-3 with Nemsadze the danger man in the midfield.

ABERDEEN LINE UP:-
Preece,McNaughton,McQuilken,Anderson(C),McGuire,Cl ark,Paulinho,Sheerin,Mackie,Morgan,Prest.
SUB:-Goram,Hart,Tiernan,Heikkeinen,Hinds.

ABERDEEN 0 DUNDEE 0PREMIER LEAGUE
Aberdeen missed Bavidge as they struggled infront of goal.Morgan was given the job of replacing Bavidge but couldnt get into the game against a solid Dundee defence.Morgan was subbed for Hinds in the second half along with Sheerin who went off for Tiernan(63mins.)The best chance of the match fell in the 92nd minute when Dundee were awarded a free kick 25 yards out,Carranza struck the free kick only to see Preece tip his drive over.The resulting corner was cleared by McGuire.The score remained 0-0 and a boring one for the paying fans.

REF:-Willie Young
YELLOW CARDS:-Tiernan(Aberdeen)Milne(Dundee)
RED CARDS:-None
MAN OF THE MATCH:-Paulinho(Aberdeen)
ATTENDANCE:-19086


After the game the media questioned if it could be Sheerins last game for the club.It was on tuesday he agreed to join Millwall for 675k.
After speaking to the chairman he makes it clear i will get half the money to invest in a replacement.
Sheerin moves now as the English 1st division transfer window is still open.
A midweek trip to play Livingston in the cup next,the scout says they will line up in a 4-4-2 formation and that they have a quick attack.

ABERDEEN LINE UP:-
Preece,McNaughton,McQuilken,Anderson(C),McGuire,Cl ark,Paulinho,Tiernan,Mackie,Hinds,Prest.
SUB:-Goram,Hart,Tosh,Heikkeinen,Morgan.

LIVINGSTON 0 ABERDEEN 0LEAGUE CUP QTR FINAL
Aberdeen win 3-1 on pens.
A close first half with both sides creating a few chances.Ipoua having his best chance saved by Preece while Mackie pulling a shot just past the post from a good position was the Dons best effort of the first half.The second half was just much of the same as both teams failed to make the breakthrough.With extra time looking possible Gunn waited a bit longer before using subs Hiekkinen and Morgan on for Paulinho and Mackie(80mins.)Extra time it was as both teams struggled infront of goal but tired legs showed as not much chances were created to win this one before the dreaded penalty shoot out.
Penaltys.Hinds,Tiernan and Morgan(Aberdeen)plus Pasquinelli(Livi) all scored thier pens.Ipoua,McNamee and Camacho all missed from the spot for Livi to give Aberdeen the 3-1 penalty win.

REF:-Kevin Toner
YELLOW CARDS:-McNamee,Fernandez(livingston)McGuire,Mackie(Aberde en)
RED CARDS:-None
MAN OF THE MATCH:-Roddy McKenzie(Livingston)
ATTENDANCE:-7936

retired_quique

The semi final draw sees Aberdeen paired with Celtic.The game is a few months away so we will just put it to the back of our minds for now.
The next game is up quick as Motherwell come to Pittodrie next,The scout reports they have a competent team and like to play a 3-5-2 formation Stephen Pearson is a threat from midfield.

ABERDEEN LINE UP:-
Preece,McNaughton,McQuilken,Anderson(C),McGuire,Cl ark,Paulinho,Tiernan,Mackie,Hinds,Prest.
SUB:-Goram,Hart,Tosh,Heikkeinen,Morgan.

ABERDEEN 3 MOTHERWELL 0PREMIER LEAGUE
Aberdeen continued their good form at home here with a easy victory in the end.Prest opened the scoring when Paulinho sent a corner in to the box and he headed home from close range 1-0(43mins.)After half time the Dons doubled their lead with another goal set up by Paulinho,This time he chipped a beautiful ball into Mackies path and he struck from a narrow angle to make it 2-0(48mins.)Prest was to double his goals for the day on the 58th minute,A mix up in defence left Prest with a clean run at goal his first shot was well saved by Ewings but he pounced on the rebound to make it 3-0.Morgan and Tosh got a run out for Hinds and Paulinho(65mins.)Motherwell didnt create any clear cut chances,blasting all their chances either over or wide.The game ended 3-0 with Gunn pleased to get a win after a few hard games.

REF:-David Somers
YELLOW CARDS:-None
RED CARDS:-None
MAN OF THE MATCH:-Martin Prest(Aberdeen)
ATTENDANCE:-13929


After the game we are informed that Jerome Thomas can start playing again after his 2 month injury, which is good news with Bavidge being out for so long.
Stewart Devine the 1k buy from Stirling is coming along nicely in the reserves and could find himself involved in the first team before the end of the season.
Leigh Hinds hasnt done well and we have transfer listed him as we are looking at a few options the scouts gave us.Hinds has failed to show us what he can do and will play no further part in the team.
Former player Calum McHattie(Ross County)and Peter Weatherston(Morton) have caught my eye and could make a move if their clubs allow it.
Down to Glasgow to face Rangers now and the scout dosnt need to tell me about this team as i already know.They will line up 4-3-3 and are a world class team with de Boer and Loenkrands the danger men.

ABERDEEN LINE UP:-
Preece,McNaughton,McQuilken,Anderson(C),McGuire,Cl ark,Paulinho,Tiernan,Mackie,Bagshaw,Prest.
SUB:-Goram,Hart,Tosh,Heikkeinen,Thomas.

RANGERS 1 ABERDEEN 3PREMIER LEAGUE
Both teams looked up for this one right from the start with McGuire heading a shot over after only 2 minutes.Bagshaw and Lovenkrands were amongst the names to miss early chances.The first goal came from a stunning counter attack,de Boer shot at goal only for his shot to be saved the quick long clearance fell to Bagshaw who beat the keeper with ease 1-0(29mins.)Lovenkrands could have equaled it 2 minutes later but fired his shot over after doing all the hard work.Khizanishvilli and Malcom made the Gers life alot harder when their comical passing in defence was intercepted by Mackie and he was clean through,Mackie keeps his cool to score 2-0(36mins.)Chances fell to both teams before half time but the score stayed 2-0.Rangers came out the better of the two teams in the second half with Lovenkrands looking a real danger.Lovenkrands was rewarded for his display by scoring a great solo goal to take it back to 2-1(60mins.)Aberdeen used some subs Hiekkinen and Thomas on for Paulinho and Bagshaw(64mins.)There was another comedy performance to come from the Gers as Moore knocked the ball back to Klos who hoofed the ball clear only into the path of Prest,Prest knocked it square to Thomas who chipped poor Klos as he rushed back to his goal 3-1(81mins.)That proved to be the last action of the game,it ended 3-1.

REF:-Kevin Toner
YELLOW CARDS:-Ball,Ricksen(Rangers)McNaughton,McGuire(Aberdeen)
RED CARDS:-None
MAN OF THE MATCH:-Martin Prest(Aberdeen)
ATTENDANCE:-44391

SCOTTISH PREMIER LEAGUE(After 17 games)
1.Aberdeen:-Points 44
2.Celtic:-Points 43
3.Hibs:-Points 30
4.Kilmarnock:-Points 26
5.Dunfermline:-Points 24
6.Rangers:-Points 23
7.Dundee United:-Points 21
8.Dundee:-Points 20
9.Livingston:-Points 18
10.Motherwell:-Points 18
11.Hearts:-Points 15
12.Partick Th:-Points 9

retired_quique

We find ourselves in a position that we never thought was possible at the start of the season.The defence has had a huge part to play in that as shown by the international call ups.The young lads have shown alot of potential when called upon too,none of them have let themselves or the team down.
The Scottish cup 3rd round draw sees the first home cup tie of the season as Aberdeen host 1st division side Ross County.
Partick Thistle up next in the league and they normally go with a 3-5-2 formation reports the scout,He also adds that they are bottom of the league and a very poor side.

ABERDEEN LINE UP:-
Preece,McNaughton,McQuilken,Anderson(C),McGuire,Cl ark,Paulinho,Tiernan,Mackie,Bagshaw,Prest.
SUB:-Goram,Hart,Tosh,Heikkeinen,Thomas.

ABERDEEN 1 PARTICK THISTLE 0PREMIER LEAGUE
Aberdeen started brightly with Prest,Mackie and Bagshaw all testing Arthur.It was Mackies pace that caused most of the problems,most of all when he skipped past Whyte like lightning inside the box only for Whyte to stick out a leg and trip him up.Penalty.Paulinho stepped up to place the ball past Arthur 1-0(32mins.)Particks best chance fell to Kenny Milne but he couldnt beat Preece from 15 yards.David Preece picked up a knock and was taken off.Preece,Clark and Prest made way for Goram,Tosh and Thomas(69mins.)Mackie had a chance to make it 2-0 but slammed his shot off the post only to see the rebound cleared to safety.Partick didnt cause any problems after the subs and Aberdeen strolled home to a 1-0 win.

REF:-John Underhill
YELLOW CARDS:-McBride(Partick Thistle)
RED CARDS:-None
MAN OF THE MATCH:-Paulinho(Aberdeen)
ATTENDANCE:-12692


With only 10 days to go before the transfer window opens i have contacted two clubs with bids for players.I have offered Arsenal 50k for Paulinho,who has been a major player for the Dons this year.He is listed at 100k at his club but we hope to get this figure down a bit.The other is highly rated Morton player Peter Weatherston we have bid 40k.We hope to hear back from the clubs soon.
Morton striker Weatherston makes it clear he wants to play for Aberdeen as a bid is rejected,we offer 60k.
Kilmarnock up next and a strong team that play direct attacking football says the scout He also reports they usally play a 3-5-2 formation.

ABERDEEN LINE UP:-
Preece,McNaughton,McQuilken,Anderson(C),McGuire,Cl ark,Paulinho,Tiernan,Mackie,Bagshaw,Prest.
SUB:-Goram,Hart,Tosh,Heikkeinen,Thomas.

KILMARNOCK 1 ABERDEEN 3PREMIER LEAGUE
Kilmarnock created the first real chance as Di Giacomo forced Preece into a fine save.It was Kilmarnock who kept the pressure on until they scored,Fowler and Fulton with a one-two left Fowler clean through and he scored 1-0(20mins.)After the goal Kilmarnock sat back a bit and let Aberdeen play and they got their reward just before half time.Clark played Mackie in away on the right he cut inside before smashing a shot at goal only to be denied by the post,Prest was first to the rebound 1-1(45mins.)Not even 1 minute had been played in the second half before Aberdeen were ahead,Paulinho finding Mackie with a perfect pass and he used his pace to beat Dillon before finishing it off 2-1(46mins.)That sparked Kilmarnock into life for a breif 10 minute spell with Fowler and Di Giacomo missing chances.It was Aberdeen who would score again though with Paulinho the provider again,This time he swung the corner in and Prest Headed home for 3-1(65mins.)The young man Bagshaw came off to be replaced by Thomas(70mins.)After the third goal Kilmarnock really tried to get back into the game but the Dons defence stayed strong to win the game 3-1.

REF:-Kenny Clark
YELLOW CARDS:-Dillon(Kilmarnock)Anderson(Aberdeen)
RED CARDS:-None
MAN OF THE MATCH:-Martin Prest(Aberdeen)
ATTENDANCE:-11594

retired_quique

After a good win against Kilmarnock the next game is over a week away,ill use this time to check transfer targets and offer new contracts to some of the players that have a future at the club.
Youngsters Payne,Muirhead and Morrison have been offered three year deals.
Muirhead,Payne and Morrison sign up for 3 years and i hope that they can start pushing for a first team place soon.
The Morton manager makes it clear he will not sell Weatherston for any price as another bid is rejected.That dosnt stop the Dons as they raise their bid to 80k.
After a poor start to the season its not a very Merry Christmas for Hearts as they sack boss Craig Levein.The shocking 6-0 defeat against Celtic sealed his fate as they sit a poor 11th in the league table.
Arsenal have accepted a bid for Paulinho of 90k and if he agrees terms he will be a good full time replacment for Sheerin.
My Assistant lets me know that Esson,McCulloch and Buckley have only six months left on their contracts,They wont be offered new deals.
A 100k bid is rejected by Morton for Peter Weatherston,We end our intrest in that player.
Hibs travel to Pittodrie next as they look to end Aberdeens good run at home.They will line up playing a direct 5-3-2 formation.The scout reports that they are in good form and have a quick attacking line.

ABERDEEN LINE UP:-
Preece,McNaughton,McQuilken,Anderson(C),McGuire,Cl ark,Paulinho,Tiernan,Mackie,Bagshaw,Prest.
SUB:-Goram,Hart,Tosh,Heikkeinen,Thomas.

ABERDEEN 1 HIBS 0PREMIER LEAGUE
The first half was a battle with only one shot in the whole half.It was Hibs who had the only shot Stephen Glass blasting over from 20 yards.The half time whistle was met with the sound of unhappy fans as they made their way for their pies and bovril.The second half started with a bang Darren Mackie converting Aberdeens first chance of the game,Chris Clark doing the hard work on the right before crossing for Mackie who found the net 1-0(47mins.)Hibs didnt lie down and came right back at the Dons missing chances through O'Connor and McManus.Aberdeen tried to change things a bit with some subs Heikkinen and Thomas on for Paulinho and Bagshaw(75mins.)The Dons stay strong in defence to hold on for a 1-0 win.

REF:-Kenny Clark
YELLOW CARDS:-McGuire,Mackie(Aberdeen)Doumbe(Hibs)
RED CARDS:-None
MAN OF THE MATCH:-Chris Clark(Aberdeen)
ATTENDANCE:-18976


Zdrillic,Hinds,Booth and Bird have all been freed they have no future at the club and are all out of contract in the summer.They will all get the remainder of their contracts paid and will have nothing more to do with the club.
Aberdeen were today showing off new signing Paulinho,although he has been at the club during this season he was only on loan.He now becomes Gunns record signing at 90k.Gunn says Paulinho has already justified this price tag and also adds their is alot more to come from this midfield playmaker in the future.
After scouting Scotland for players coming out of contract we offered Jamie Langfield a contract.The Dundee goalkeeper would be perfect to challenge Preece for the number 1 jersey next season.
Just Two days later he agrees to leave Dundee and join the Dons on july the 1st.Its a great signing with Esson leaving in the summer,We will still look for a young keeper to train up but Langfields signing is great news for the team.
Hearts appoint Walter Smith as their new boss he will start the job straight away.The former Rangers boss has been without a club since being sacked by Everton,So he will be keen to show what he can do.
Luke Moore has had his loan terminated and will return to his club tomorrow.He has failed to get into the first team and we will look for someone who will make more of an impact.
A Home cup tie up now,Ross county the side that stands infront of me and the 4th round.The scout reports they are a capable side and that they normally play a 4-4-2 formation.He points out Callum McHattie is a constant threat,This i already know after having him watched on more than one occasion.

ABERDEEN LINE UP:-
Preece,McNaughton,McQuilken,Anderson(C),McGuire,Cl ark,Paulinho,Tiernan,Mackie,Bagshaw,Prest.
SUB:-Goram,Hart,Tosh,Heikkeinen,Thomas.

ABERDEEN 2 ROSS COUNTY 0SCOTTISH CUP 3RD ROUND
Aberdeen created the first chance as Prest fired wide from close range.He put that right just a few miutes later as he gave the Dons the lead.Great play on the left by Bagshaw as he beat a man before slipping the ball into Prest he finished the job 1-0(6mins.)Aberdeen looked the stronger team and scored a second Mackie this time creating the goal,Bagshaw the scorer with an easy tap in 2-0(20mins.)Aberdeen only had one more chance in the first half Paulinho firing a long shot over.Ross county still to get off the zero mark for chances.Paulinho comes off at half time due to a slight knock,Heikkinen on for Paulinho(45mins.)The second half,Aberdeen created a few more chances but failed to score anymore goals with Prest and Bagshaw unlucky not to score again.Ross County created 2 chances in the second half but both shots went wide.Aberdeen the stronger throughout as they win 2-0.

REF:-Iain Brines
YELLOW CARDS:-None
RED CARDS:-None
MAN OF THE MATCH:-Martin Prest(Aberdeen)
ATTENDANCE:-10402

retired_quique

The scottish cup brings another home tie.St Mirren the team that get the pleasure of coming to Pittodrie.
We have offered Rangers player Steven MacLean a loan deal.I know Rangers are one of our biggest rivals but in my eyes if he agrees to the move they are doing me a favour.I will also use Alex McLeishs love for the Dons to try and get his wages paid during the loan.
We have sent out a fax to Ross County with a 18k bid for Calum McHattie.We await their reply.
Ross County accept the bid we have offered a contract and are confident he will sign.
On the day of the Dundee United game McHattie agrees to join the club.The 19 year old forward has a huge talent and we could see him in action soon.
W.B.A offer 14k for McCulloch.The bid is accepted,McCulloch is out of contract at the end of the season and wasnt going to be kept on.
Dundee United away now the scout reports they play in a 5-3-2 formation with a sweeper.He says they are a strong team with Samuel a constant threat.

ABERDEEN LINE UP:-
Preece,McNaughton,McQuilken,Anderson(C),McGuire,Cl ark,Paulinho,Tiernan,Mackie,McHattie,Prest.
SUB:-Goram,Hart,Tosh,Heikkeinen,Bagshaw.

DUNDEE UNITED 3 ABERDEEN 2PREMIER LEAGUE
Aberdeen were awarded a pen early on in this one,Duff tripping Paulinho inside the box.Tiernan stepped up to score his first goal of the season 1-0(8mins.)Both teams looked good as they passed the ball and searched for an opening.Charlie Miller created that opening when he played a fine pass to McInnes who let fly with a right foot shot 1-1(35mins.)A few bad challenges came in as both teams refused to lose this one.In the second half it was United who scored first,With Miller and Mcinnes the men to punish the Dons again.Millers corner this time headed in by McInnes for his second of the game 2-1(53mins.)Aberdeen tried to get back into it and threw on some subs.Tosh and Bagshaw on for Clark and McHattie(60mins.)It looked to have done the trick as Bagshaw scored to level the game at 2-2 with a fine finish(77mins.)Dundee united failed to let this one get away and came at the Dons looking for a goal,Kerr intercepted a pass in midfield before flighting a superb ball through to Samuel,His first shot was saved but he followed up on the rebound goal 3-2(89mins.)With only one minute injury time to be played the Dons run out of time before they can create a chance.

REF:-Willie Young
YELLOW CARDS:-Williams,Griffin,McCracken(Dundee U)Tosh(Aberdeen)
RED CARDS:-None
MAN OF THE MATCH:-Derek McInnes(Dundee U)
ATTENDANCE:-12681


The last game wasnt so much a poor performance but sloppy defending.We will work hard over the next week to try and cut out the silly mistakes.
Steven MacLean has joined the Dons on loan he will not be liked by some sections of the Dons fans but all i ask is to give him a chance.
Deloumeaux and Rutkiewicz have been told they can leave and will be paid the rest of their contracts.They have failed to make the first team and wont be needed any longer.
Millwall and Preston offer 14k for McCulloch.Both bids have been accepted.
McCulloch leaves the club for 14k to join W.B.A,The 19 year old right back is in the last year of his contract and Gunn is pleased to have got some cash for him.
Celtic up next,They bring a world class team and play a direct 3-5-2 formation the scout notes their attack is strong and quick.

ABERDEEN LINE UP:-
Goram,McNaughton,McQuilken,Anderson(C),McGuire,Cla rk,Paulinho,Tiernan,Mackie,MacLean,Prest.
SUB:-Preece,Rossiter,Tosh,Heikkeinen,McHattie.

ABERDEEN 3 CELTIC 0PREMIER LEAGUE
There was ten minutes on the clock when Aberdeen scored and it was debut man MacLean who scored it.Mackies shot saved by Hedman only to fall to MacLean 1-0.Aberdeen doubled their lead with their next chance,Maclean run out of space on the edge of the box he played it back to Paulinho whos shot deflected off Lennon into the net 2-0(18mins.)Goram turned the clock back a few years with a few top class saves to deny Sutton and Larsson.Aberdeens third came after Clark and Petrov seemed to get tangled up in each other,Mackie stole the ball and continued on his way to goal,He smashed the ball into the top corner 3-0(36mins.)The second half saw Andy Goram called into action again but he was up to the task.Aberdeen claim a massive victory to leapfrog Celtic into top spot.

REF:-Alan Freeland
YELLOW CARDS:-Valgaeren,Laursen(Celtic)
RED CARDS:-None
MAN OF THE MATCH:-Paulinho(Aberdeen)
ATTENDANCE:-21185

SCOTTISH PREMIER LEAGUE TOP 3:-(After 22 games)
1.Aberdeen:- Points 56
2.Celtic:- Points 55
3.Hibs:- Points 37

temperamental

haha Andy Goram

nice story so far, jammy run of wins though

retired_quique

I must be honest with you Charnley alot of the wins have been jammy.Most teams have been all over me but Mackie and Prests pace works perfect in the counter attack.

David Preece missed the last game through injury he will only be out 1 day.
Transfer deadline day passes,the squad we have now is the squad we will finish the season with.
Martin Bavidge is back in training and we could see him back in action against Celtic in the cup.
Back to the league first.Livingston travel to Pittodrie now and should line up in a 4-4-2 formation.The scout tells me they are a determined side and to watch for their pace in attack.

ABERDEEN LINE UP:-
Preece,McNaughton,McQuilken,Anderson(C),McGuire,Cl ark,Paulinho,Tiernan,Mackie,MacLean,Prest.
SUB:-Goram,Hart,Tosh,Heikkeinen,McHattie.

ABERDEEN 2 LIVINGSTON 1PREMIER DIVISION
The first half didnt see much action the best chance of the half falling to Burton O'Brien,who fired wide.The half time whistle couldnt come fast enough for both teams as they failed to create any clear chances.As always the game burst into life in the second half with both teams looking better.It was Aberdeen who were to open the scoring,Prest and Tiernan with clever play before Tiernan played the ball to Clark,He let fly from about 25 yards straight into the top corner 1-0(54mins.)Livi were passing the ball around well and leveled the game with a fine strike.Harding with a long ball that was missed by McGuire fell to Ipoua,He struck a low shot from the edge of the box Goal 1-1(68mins.)McHattie and Heikkinen came on for MacLean and Tiernan(70mins.)It didnt take the Dons long to score as Mackie gets the last touch after a scramble in the box 2-1(73mins.)Preece had one last save to make,Fernandez it was who failed to hit the back of the net.Aberdeen will need to play better than this against Celtic in the cup semi-final if they want to make the final.The feeling is if Livi were a better team they could have really punished us here.

REF:-Douglas McDonald
YELLOW CARDS:-Harding,Camacho(Livingston)
RED CARDS:-None
MAN OF THE MATCH:-Guy Ipoua(Livingston)
ATTENDANCE:-14168


After the game the monthly awards are handed out and its good news for Paulinho who picks up young player of the month.There is also a manager of the month for me,I use this oppertunity to ask the media what the SFA think they are doing,The Scottish league is a joke and the International team failed to quilify for another tournement and they have the time to sit down each month to discuss who is the best manager that month.Its a disgrace who really cares who was the best over a month,A months good results wont bring someone a title.
Down to Hampden for the cup semi-final against Celtic now,We know they will line up with a direct 3-5-2 formation and have a world class team.Ive been told by the scout that they are strong and will battle for every ball.

ABERDEEN LINE UP:-
Preece,McNaughton,McQuilken,Anderson(C),McGuire,Cl ark,Paulinho,Tiernan,Mackie,Bavidge,Prest.
SUB:-Goram,Hart,Tosh,Heikkeinen,MacLean.

CELTIC 1 ABERDEEN 2LEAGUE CUP SEMI-FINAL(Hampden Park)
Not Good news as Bavidge breaks down 7 minutes into his comeback.MacLean on for Bavidge(7mins.)Sutton should have had Celtic ahead but a brilliant save from Preece denied him.Celtic were the better team in the first half but failed to make anymore clear chances.The teams go in 0-0 at half time.The second half Aberdeen picked up the pace and scored the first goal,Mackie and MacLean linking up with a one-two which left Mackie with the chance 1-0(58mins.)Tosh was taken on as Mackie picked up a knock(72mins.)Celtic leveled with a stunning goal,Anderson fouling Sutton before Crainey stepped up to strike a low drive into the bottom corner(78mins.)MacLean gave Aberdeen the lead again with a great solo goal,He picked up the ball on the half way line beat two men before firing past the keeper 2-1(81mins.)Celtic made a few chances but never managed to hit the target,The Dons hold on for a 2-1 win.

REF:-John Underhill
YELLOW CARDS:-Valgaeren(Celtic)McNaughton(Aberdeen)
RED CARDS:-None
MAN OF THE MATCH:-Steven MacLean
ATTENDANCE:-46287

retired_quique

Martin Bavidge will be out of action for a few days.A shin injury means he will sit out the Scottish cup game against St Mirren.
Kevin McNaughton and Russell Anderson have been called up by the Scotland boss Berti Vogts.Markus Heikkinen also gets a call up for Finland.
The Dons will play Hibs in the final,Hibs beat Dundee United 2-0 in the other semi-final to secure their hampden place.
The Scottish cup now and first division St Mirren the opponenets,The scout report they line up in a 4-4-2 formation he says there team is average.

ABERDEEN LINE UP:-
Preece,McNaughton,McQuilken,Anderson(C),McGuire,Cl ark,Paulinho,Tiernan,Mackie,MacLean,Prest.
SUB:-Goram,Hart,Tosh,Heikkeinen,Bavidge.

ABERDEEN 3 ST MIRREN 1SCOTTISH CUP 4TH ROUND
Aberdeen opened the scoring after 6mins,Tiernan setting up Prest with a lovely ball,Prest then fired a shot across goal which rested in the far bottom corner 1-0.St Mirren were to claw their way back into it,Jonh O'Neill setting up Kevin Twaddle who left Preece stranded with a right foot shot 1-1(24mins.)Prest turned provider as the Dons went ahead just before half time,His cross was met by the head of MacLean to make it 2-1(43mins.)MacLean was to score again in the second half Mackie doing the work this time,A superb through ball from the right from Mackie left MacLean with only the keeper to beat,He did 3-1(70mins.)Some subs were made as David Preece went off injured,Preece,Clark and Mackie made way for Goram,Heikkinen and Bavidge(75mins.)The last 15 minutes Aberdeen kept the ball but didnt create any more chances the score stayed 3-1.

REF:-Douglas McDonald
YELLOW CARDS:-Ellis(St Mirren)
RED CARDS:-None
MAN OF THE MATCH:-Steven MacLean(Aberdeen)
ATTENDANCE:-10428

The physio reports that David Preece will only be out for a day,He will be free to train on monday.
The Scottish cup brings an away draw for the quarter final,The Dons will play either Motherwell or Stirling Albion.The teams have to meet in a replay to decide which one.
Steve Tosh is out for 3 weeks,He hasnt played much a part of the team and could find himself on the move in the summer.
Motherwell will be the opponents in the Scottish cup they beat Stirling 2-0 in a replay.
Walter Smiths Hearts up next,The scout reports they normally line up in a 4-4-2,He also adds they are a hard working side with Andy Kirk their danger man.

ABERDEEN LINE UP:-
Preece,McNaughton,McQuilken,Anderson(C),McGuire,Cl ark,Paulinho,Tiernan,Mackie,MacLean,Prest.
SUB:-Goram,Hart,Devine,Heikkeinen,Bavidge.

ABERDEEN 2 HEARTS 0PREMIER LEAGUE
The first half saw Aberdeen take control.They had a few missed chances early on Tiernan and Prest missing the target.They did take the lead though after 22 minutes,MacLean setting up Mackie,Mackie finished with style 1-0.The first half went with not more action.The second half didnt start off much better with both teams not giving much away.Aberdeen changed things,Heikkinen,Devine and Bavidge on for Clark,Tiernan and Mackie(64mins.)The second goal of the game came and it was Aberdeen who scored it,MacLeans ball was headered by Prest only for Moilanen to push it away,He managed to squeeze the rebound in from a tight angle.2-0(78mins.)Scott Severin had Hearts best chance but he fired over the bar from outside the box.

REF:-Kenny Clark
YELLOW CARDS:-None
RED CARDS:-None
MAN OF THE MATCH:-Martin Prest(Aberdeen)
ATTENDANCE:-19258