Aberdeen 0 - 1 Partick Thistle

Aberdeen started strongly forcing the Jags on to the back foot early on with both Mackie and Mike getting involved. The visitors had not come north to defend and were looking to get forward when the chance arose. There were half-hearted appeals for a penalty in the 6th minute when Mike took a tumble in the box, but the decision would have been harsh. Two minutes later Craigan picked up the first booking of the match when he found Clark too hot to handle and was forced to bring him down as he threatened on the left.

Two minutes later McGuire had to look sharp as he deflected a Britton shot wide. The resultant corner saw the Dons break through Mackie. The move ended with Rutkiewicz firing inches over. Sheerin had a fine effort blocked by Arthur in the 26th minute as Aberdeen tried to get back on terms. On the half-hour mark Chris Clark had an ambitious effort from a free kick on the left. The shot went high however and looked to be covered by the keeper.

The game burst into life in the 35th minute when Aberdeen were awarded a penalty after Mike was fouled by Archibald. The chance to level was wasted however as McGuire hit a weak effort that was easily saved by Arthur. The Dons had another chance to put the Jags under pressure when they were awarded a free kick in the 44th minute. Sheerin?s delivery was too strong and the packed area could only watch helplessly as the ball floated high above their heads.

Mackie had a great chance in the 58th minute when he collected a long pass on the left, controlled the ball well and beat his man only to fire in a weak effort with better options available in the centre. Paterson decided a change was in order and brought on O?Donoghue and Hinds for Rutkiewicz and Mackie in the 64th minute. Two minutes later a speculative Tosh effort was deflected for a corner. As the cross came in there were strong claims for a penalty as McGuire was thrown to ground. Mr. Dougal was not impressed and awarded another corner.

In a final roll of the dice Derek Young replaced Mike with 14 minutes remaining. A minute later the Dons won a free kick 30 yards out and in keeping with the theme of the play, McAllister fired it well over. Hinds had half a chance in the 80th minute when he turned his marker well, but failed to get any power in his shot. Sheerin had a final effort seconds from the end when he fired over from 18 yards, but the Dons simply hadn?t done enough to take anything from the match.