Bochum 2 - 1 Aberdeen

Venue: Ruhrpott Arena

VFL BOCHUM 2-1 ABERDEEN

Ginczek 42 mins, Aydan 90 mins; Mackie 85 mins

Richard Foster was named as captain this afternoon and the new Dons skipper lined up at left back. Youl Mawene and Issac Osbourne were handed their Dons debuts.

In central defence Mawene partnered Andrew Considine and Chris Clark was at right back. In a 4-3-3 formation the midfielder trio were Ryan Jack, Issac Osbourne and Rob Milsom and up front Fraser Fyvie, Scott Vernon and Peter Pawlett were paired together.

The home side started the stronger and enjoyed the majority of possession. In the opening minute Daniel Ginczek had a good chance but he put it over. Chris Oldfield did well just before 20 minutes when a dangerous free kick was played in. He had to punch the ball away.

Despite the Bundesliga II side continuing to dominate possession they failed to create any further clear cut chances.

On 25 minutes the Dons put a good move together down the right and won a free kick. Milson played the ball in and after a scramble in the box Andrew Considine hit a half volley which hit the bar.  Considine was then booked midway through the first half.

The Dons then seemed to take confidence from almost scoring and started to come more into the game. They were knocking the ball about well but on the stroke of half time they lost a goal. Issac Osbourne stumbled in a dangerous area. Frederico stepped in and with one pass he set up Ginczek who fired the ball low past Oldfield into the corner of the net from the edge of the box.

At half time Craig Brown replaced Oldfield with German trialist keeper Andreas Rossl who has been training with the club since Monday.

Aberdeen pushed for an equaliser and they came agonisingly close to getting one when Osbourne hit a fantastic short from the edge of the penalty box which rattled the top of the post with the keeper completely beaten.

There were further substitutions when Clark Robertson replaced Ryan Jack and Darren Mackie replaced Peter Pawlett. Then a couple of minutes later Scott Vernon went off for Josh Magennis, Michael Paton came on Osbourne. The other two trailists who have been training this week, Edis Colic and Thomas Gentner was also given the chance to impress the management team.

With all the substitutions from both sides the game began to become fragmented and the pace slowed down.

In the final stages of the game though the Dons pushed hard for a goal and created a number of chances.

Michael Paton had a header which went just wide. Then Magennis flicked the ball on. Clark picked it up and played in Foster who had made a superb run into the box but his effort was blocked.Then came the goal that the Dons deserved. Gentner played in a brilliant cross to the back post and Darren Mackie was on hand to score with a tidy finish. That is now two goals in two games for the striker.

A draw would probably have been a fair score line but unfortunately for the Dons they conceded a goal with the final touch of the ball. After giving the ball away in the midfield again and with a few tired legs in the Dons defence they allowed the Germans in behind and Mirkam Aydan slotted home from close range.

A disappointing finish but still a very useful run out against a good side. One major positive was the performance of Youl Mawene. The Frenchman had a fine game in central defence and looks to be the dominating centre half that Craig Brown was looking for. Issac Osbourne also looks a player. It was good also to see Richard Foster and Chris Clark back in Aberdeen shirts.

ABERDEEN: Oldfield (Rossl 46), Clark, Considine, Mawene, Foster, Jack (Robertson 65), Fyvie (Gentner 68), Osbourne (Paton 68), Milson (Colic 68), Pawlett (Mackie 65), Vernon (Magennis 68).

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