I can't deny, this one hurt. Up 2-0 after half an hour, only to concede three consecutive tallies for the visitors, was frustrating at the very very least.
More frustrating is the fact that I fear the final result will discourage McGhee from continuing with his attempt at more positive football, using McArdle in midfield (replacing the gimped Hartley) and (finally) putting Mackie up front instead of Megginson. Vernon, Mackie, and Maguire all had very strong performances, and hopefully the Dons manager will continue with this lineup even when Hartley returns to fitness.
26 September 2010
18 September 2010
Week 5 Recap: Motherwell 1 - 1 Aberdeen
Away points are never bad, and especially after last week's mess at Tannadice, it was reassuring to make it through the opening ten minutes with a clean sheet. Jamie Murphy did give the home side the lead after banging home a pass from Nick Blackman, ten minutes before the break, but Scott Vernon scored eleven minutes after the break to pull the Dons even.
The uncharitable could argue that Vernon should have had a brace or even a hat trick, as he bungled a chance to equalize just before the break, and also had a missed chance at a winner. Three minutes before the half Vernon found himself in the host's box with only the keeper Randolph to beat, but missed the target, and late in the second half headed into side netting... but this paragraph is for the pessimists. On the whole I was encouraged by the visitor's response to last weekend's disappointment, and while yes three points would have been nice, the Dons managed several threats to the Well goal and while they stayed out this match, maybe next time they won't.
Maguire continues his strong play, with incisive runs and good vision to set up teammates both during the run of play and off of set pieces. He might have tired towards the end, with McGhee replacing him for Megginson after 72 minutes, but I continue to be high on the lad. Vernon as discussed saw a lot of the ball in the box, and in the end that's what you want from a striker. Captain Hartley continues to anchor the center of the field, though I do hope that he could at times avoid a foul or two, both on the giving and receiving end - he seems to end up in the middle of a lot of high-contact plays and we can't afford for him (or anybody else) to go down with a knock at this point. Finally the Dons could concede fewer free kicks in the middle of the pitch, but if that's all to complain about the Pittodrie side are in fair shape.
The uncharitable could argue that Vernon should have had a brace or even a hat trick, as he bungled a chance to equalize just before the break, and also had a missed chance at a winner. Three minutes before the half Vernon found himself in the host's box with only the keeper Randolph to beat, but missed the target, and late in the second half headed into side netting... but this paragraph is for the pessimists. On the whole I was encouraged by the visitor's response to last weekend's disappointment, and while yes three points would have been nice, the Dons managed several threats to the Well goal and while they stayed out this match, maybe next time they won't.
Maguire continues his strong play, with incisive runs and good vision to set up teammates both during the run of play and off of set pieces. He might have tired towards the end, with McGhee replacing him for Megginson after 72 minutes, but I continue to be high on the lad. Vernon as discussed saw a lot of the ball in the box, and in the end that's what you want from a striker. Captain Hartley continues to anchor the center of the field, though I do hope that he could at times avoid a foul or two, both on the giving and receiving end - he seems to end up in the middle of a lot of high-contact plays and we can't afford for him (or anybody else) to go down with a knock at this point. Finally the Dons could concede fewer free kicks in the middle of the pitch, but if that's all to complain about the Pittodrie side are in fair shape.
11 September 2010
Match Summary: Dundee United 3 - 1 Aberdeen
Well, that was a wasted trip South. A three-goal advantage was given to the home side before ten minutes were gone, and while Scott Vernon's reply in the 26th minute looked to briefly buoy the Dons, that momentum dissipated quickly and the visitors were send home quietly.
It could have been a rather different match had Pernis not been able to parry Chris Maguire's attempt in the opening minute, but two minutes later Jon Daly slotted home a gift rebound off David Goodwillie's effort, followed by a woeful own-goal punch by Mark Howard three minutes later. Unfortunately it was only after Craig Conway was taken down in the box by Hartley (with Goodwillie subsequently converting) that the Dons were able to settle themselves.
In addition to bending a shot into the upper right-hand corner of Pernis' goal, Vernon had several moments of decisive attack, but the first half was one of frustration for Aberdeen. McGhee expressed his displeasure with referee Mike Tumilty on several occasions, and things came to a head just a few minutes before the break when McGhee was sent to the stands for kicking the ball away after a non-called foul against Hartley.
We all knew the season would involve dropped points at some point, but the frustrating thing about this afternoon's match was that it seemed so random to end up down so quickly. One promising element was the way that, on the whole, the Dons kept battling... but results are needed, not just strong efforts in losing causes.
It could have been a rather different match had Pernis not been able to parry Chris Maguire's attempt in the opening minute, but two minutes later Jon Daly slotted home a gift rebound off David Goodwillie's effort, followed by a woeful own-goal punch by Mark Howard three minutes later. Unfortunately it was only after Craig Conway was taken down in the box by Hartley (with Goodwillie subsequently converting) that the Dons were able to settle themselves.
In addition to bending a shot into the upper right-hand corner of Pernis' goal, Vernon had several moments of decisive attack, but the first half was one of frustration for Aberdeen. McGhee expressed his displeasure with referee Mike Tumilty on several occasions, and things came to a head just a few minutes before the break when McGhee was sent to the stands for kicking the ball away after a non-called foul against Hartley.
We all knew the season would involve dropped points at some point, but the frustrating thing about this afternoon's match was that it seemed so random to end up down so quickly. One promising element was the way that, on the whole, the Dons kept battling... but results are needed, not just strong efforts in losing causes.
10 September 2010
Week 4 Preview: Dundee United
Not only did the past week treat Scotland supporters to a brace of 2-1 comeback victories, as the senior side followed the U-21s lead, but the transfer window break came at exactly the right time for the Dons, reeling from injury and a disappointing defeat the dropped them from the top of the SPL. Frasier Fyvie is still out for the season, but in addition to extra time with the trainer, the Dons (or rather their supporters) gained a bit of perspective.
Certainly 9 from 9 would have been nice, but third in the table with two victories is not a bad start, especially when compared to Dundee United who have collected just 2 points from three matches, and are saved from the relegation spot only by St Johnstone's dismal start. A trip to Tannadice must not be taken lightly however, having collected full points just once from the last seven matches between the two clubs.
While the Dons have added Nikola Vujadinovic and Andrius Velicka (already crocked), Scott Severin could join Peter Houston's side on a free transfer from Watford (after a loan last season to Killie)... Aye, SPL clubs are really burning the transfer cash this year.
I can't manage the optimism from some corners
but I do feel good about this afternoon's match. This is admittedly a pathetic "preview" but honestly I simply don't have a good feel for the current Aberdeen side, nor what MM plans regarding a starting eleven and shape. An aggressive effort could net several goals and dispel recent gloom, but if McGhee settles for a more conservative lineup I worry for the result.
Certainly 9 from 9 would have been nice, but third in the table with two victories is not a bad start, especially when compared to Dundee United who have collected just 2 points from three matches, and are saved from the relegation spot only by St Johnstone's dismal start. A trip to Tannadice must not be taken lightly however, having collected full points just once from the last seven matches between the two clubs.
While the Dons have added Nikola Vujadinovic and Andrius Velicka (already crocked), Scott Severin could join Peter Houston's side on a free transfer from Watford (after a loan last season to Killie)... Aye, SPL clubs are really burning the transfer cash this year.
I can't manage the optimism from some corners
Nothing seems to be going right for the The Terrors at home recently, and I can see no immediate turn around in fortunes as the The Dons come away with an easy victory
but I do feel good about this afternoon's match. This is admittedly a pathetic "preview" but honestly I simply don't have a good feel for the current Aberdeen side, nor what MM plans regarding a starting eleven and shape. An aggressive effort could net several goals and dispel recent gloom, but if McGhee settles for a more conservative lineup I worry for the result.
01 September 2010
Foster to Ibrox, Dons sign Velicka
The Grampian corner of the Twittersphere was ablaze today as the transfer window closed with a bang (for the SPL, anyway), with Ricky Foster sent to Rangers on a season-long loan, and Lithuanian Andrius Velicka shipped North in Foster's stead.
My take? Initially I was quite down on the deal, as I'm not convinced that we have the depth to afford Foster's departure, and I have seen Velicka tossed from club to club, rapidly wearing out his welcome at each stop. Velicka was clearly a disposable asset for Rangers having already welcomed James Beattie and Nikica Jelavic, and Huns fans have to be pleased with Walter Smith's dealings.
Now, twelve hours removed, I'm a titch more sanguine about the transaction. Foster now has the opportunity to play Champions League football. If he contributes to Rangers' European success, the loan will become permanent and his transfer fee will jump commensurately. The 25-year-old sounds realistic about his chances: "This is a really good opportunity for me. I am under no illusions that I am going to walk into the team but I will work really hard to try and get there. If I do, it will be a great personal achievement. I have to hit the ground running and show what I can do in training and try to get into the manager's plans. Hopefully my pace can be an asset in either of the full-back positions or further forward. I realise I am a squad player but I hope to do what I can to show that I can play for Rangers."
As for Velicka? A low-risk, high-upside addition to a club that is already disheveled and potentially in need of a pick-me-up. Ideally the transfer window could have held open another fortnight to allow McGhee to sort out his club a bit, but if I view this is a proactive decision and a bit of a gamble, then I'll keep the grumbling to myself.
(I do wonder how the Aberdeen boss is going to make a five-striker formation work, but at least it'll make for exciting football?)
My take? Initially I was quite down on the deal, as I'm not convinced that we have the depth to afford Foster's departure, and I have seen Velicka tossed from club to club, rapidly wearing out his welcome at each stop. Velicka was clearly a disposable asset for Rangers having already welcomed James Beattie and Nikica Jelavic, and Huns fans have to be pleased with Walter Smith's dealings.
Now, twelve hours removed, I'm a titch more sanguine about the transaction. Foster now has the opportunity to play Champions League football. If he contributes to Rangers' European success, the loan will become permanent and his transfer fee will jump commensurately. The 25-year-old sounds realistic about his chances: "This is a really good opportunity for me. I am under no illusions that I am going to walk into the team but I will work really hard to try and get there. If I do, it will be a great personal achievement. I have to hit the ground running and show what I can do in training and try to get into the manager's plans. Hopefully my pace can be an asset in either of the full-back positions or further forward. I realise I am a squad player but I hope to do what I can to show that I can play for Rangers."
As for Velicka? A low-risk, high-upside addition to a club that is already disheveled and potentially in need of a pick-me-up. Ideally the transfer window could have held open another fortnight to allow McGhee to sort out his club a bit, but if I view this is a proactive decision and a bit of a gamble, then I'll keep the grumbling to myself.
(I do wonder how the Aberdeen boss is going to make a five-striker formation work, but at least it'll make for exciting football?)
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