Aberdeen this evening started their 10 day pre-season tour of Holland in emphatic fashion, comfortably beating DZC 68 5-0, with 19 year old Chris Maguire scoring a first half hat-trick. Although the Dons were only playing a fourth division Dutch side, Jimmy Calderwood will have been pleased with some of the football played during the first period. He will also be pleased to get one over his son Scott, who was managing DZC for the first time tonight! Lee Miller and Maguire combined well together. It is partnership which towards the end of the season looked promising and again tonight they linked up well.
The Dons lined up in a 4-4-2 formation. As well as Miller and Maguire, Charlie Mulgew was at left back, Richard Foster on the right. Scott Severin and Andrew Considine were partnered in the centre of defence. In midfield Jamie Smith moved into the centre to partner fit again Gary McDonald. Jeffrey de Visscher played down the right and young Peter Pawlett, who impressed greatly at Brechin on Monday night filled in on the left.
After 12 minutes Maguire crossed the ball for Lee Miller who had a diving header which hit the post and was cleared for a corner. From the resulting set-peice the ball was half cleared with a header to edge of the box. Maguire, 22 yards out chested the ball down and hammered the ball into the top left hand corner of the net - a superb goal.
The Dons second was more route one. Bossu's long clearance was flicked on in the air by Lee Miller. Maguire outpaced the defender to collect the ball. He took a good first touch and showed great composure as he rounded the keeper and beat the defender on the line with a good finish from a tight angle.
He then completed his hat-trick just before the 40 minute mark. Jamie Smith, who was playing centre-midfield broke forward. He then put in a dangerous cross which the unmarked Maguire was able to tap in. And then just before half time Richard Foster and Maguire linked up down the right. Maguire's cross was blocked but Lee Miller took a good touch and finished well from about 8 yards.
Peter Pawlett was replaced by Michael Paton at half time. The 17 year old had another impressive game. He had one good shot and also had one effort which hit the bar.
The home side however at half time put out an entirely new team, making eleven changes. And the DZC 'other' team did do a little better in the second half.
There were fewer chances and the only goal came in the 75 minute. Jamie Smith, who had a fine game and is looking really sharp again, burst forward. He played a one two with Darren Mackie and Smith calmly sided footed the ball home.
The Dons also made a number of changes - Mark Kerr was the only outfield player who did not get on. All the changes did not help the flow of the game. Aberdeen did have a couple of chances again later on in the half but they were unable to add to their goal tally.