Bunyodkor 1 - 2 Aberdeen

Match Report

The Dons rounded off their six day winter training camp with a 2-1 victory over Uzbekistan side FC Bunyodkor in front of more than two hundred members of the Red Army including several who had travelled from the Granite City especially for the game.

Aberdeen got themselves off to the perfect start, taking the lead in the opening minute when a surging midfield run from Graeme Shinnie ended with an unselfish pass to the unmarked Jonny Hayes who side footed the ball past keeper Khamraev into the net.

It was all Aberdeen in the early exchanges with Bunyodkor striker Eshankurov picking up a yellow card for a none too subtle hand ball and Ryan Jack firing a powerful shot that was deflected for a corner.

As the first half wore on, Bunyodkor came more into things and were rewarded in the 33rd minute when a corner wasn't properly cleared and Eshankurov took full advantage with a powerful drive past Joe Lewis.

Five minutes later Bunyodkor could have taken the lead but Akhmadaliev pulled his effort wide after a good build up while at the other end, Peter Pawlett came close.

In the second half Aberdeen again started to enjoy more of the possession but on the hour mark both teams had chances. Considine found Shinnie inside the area but he elected not to shoot and could not find a team mate with his pass. After Bunyodkor had missed the target with a shot inside the area, Kenny McLean headed wide from close range.

Then on 76 minutes Aberdeen scored what turned out to be the winner. Jonny Hayes' cross was cleared but Miles Storey, who looked lively when he came on, did well to keep to attack going. He played it wide to McLean and although his cross was half cleared, Graeme Shinnie produced a great first time volley to find the net.

A deserved win in the end and a very useful workout. One footnote, youngster Chris Antoniazzi made his first ever appearance for the first team when he came on as a second half substitute.