Peterhead 0 - 4 Aberdeen

Russell Anderson made a successful return to action this evening as for an Aberdeen XI against Peterhead at Balmoor in a bounce game. The game almost got abandoned after only a couple of minutes when a power cut led to floodlight failure. Thankfully the lights did not go out on Russell's comeback and the game was able to resume after a 15 minute delay. Russell strolled through the game and look in great shape. In a planned substitution he was replaced by Scott Rumsby after 70 minutes.

Aberdeen ran out comfortable winners after going three up within the first 5 minutes. However the scoreline was not important. What was important was the return of Russell and the Dons skipper now believes he could be ready for the Dons Scottish Cup semi final against Hibs in just over three weeks time.

After the game Russell told Red TV:

"It was really good to be back playing. I did not think it would last two long when the floodlights went off! I thought I was jinxed! But it was really good to get back out on the pitch, it has been a long time so I enjoyed it.

"We played well which always helps.

"We started really well as well! When the goal went in you maybe thought they did it on purpose! I did think at that stage my comeback might be a bit of a disaster but fortunately they did manage to get them back on.

"I came through the game ok. I feel fine. It was always the plan to come through the game and play the 70 minutes. There were no problems at all.

"It felt like I had never been away to be honest although the last time we were here I think we lost! So that was a nice change. As I say it was really good to be back out on the pitch.

"It was also great being back in the change room for a game. It is completely different to being in the changing room for training stuff. The match atmosphere is different. You just kind of slot back into how it is. I really enjoyed it.

"Although people talked about me only having a chance of coming back at the very end of the season I don't really know who estimate that. It was always the plan for the physio's not to name a date. I have been in these situations before and something can go wrong and then all of a sudden people are wondering where you are, if you have broken down or whatever.

"I am by no means properly match fit yet. I think it was a good start tonight but I think I have got a fair bit to go yet. I was happy with the run out though.

"We have got the cup semi final and I would love to think I would be in contention for it. Hopefully we can get some more games between now and then and I will be training everyday so although it is a gradual thing I would love to think I would be available for it.

"It is huge incentive for me but it huge for everyone else as well. It is not really about me. You look at the team who did so well against Motherwell in the quarter final. They deserve all the praise for that. It is a huge incentive for them to go as well as me to try and get into a final. It is a big game for the club.

"I am not sure if there are any more friendly games in the pipeline. I was just looking at this game and not really too much beyond that so we will see what games the manager arranges. The more games I play the fitter I will get."

For the record the Dons lined up this evening with Langfield in goal, Magennis at right back, Mawene and Anderson were in the middle of the defence, Duguid was at left back, Nicky Low and Jamie Masson were in the centre of the park and both had excellent games. Pawlett played wide left with Uchechi wide right and Chalali and Mackie played up front. The pace of those four was too much for the Division 3 side to handle.

The goals were scored by Darren Mackie in the first minute, an excellent finish after being set up by Pawlett. Once the players had returned to the field after the floodlight failure Aberdeen scored again straight away. Danny Uchechi set up Mo Chalali. The Moroccan then grabbed his second with a header from a Nicky Low corner. Chalali looked very lively but unfortunately took a knock and had to be replaced on 69 minutes. Darren Mackie added his second on 84 minutes after being set up by the impressive Low.

The Aberdeen management team were delighted with the work out and look set to arrange more games against Peterhead in the near future. They were also pleased because the surface was excellent.