Management Team Called Into Action

Old Aberdonians 0 – 3 Echt

Premier Division on Wednesday 28th April at Balgownie

League leaders Echt faced a very different Abos line up to the one that pushed them so close in this season’s earlier fixture. Only 12 fit players were available including the management duo of Mullen and Creegan who were both forced to pull on the boots. With no league victory at Balgownie this season the odds were very much against the Abos getting a result.

Although Echt had most of the possession in the early stages the Abos were battling hard and Mullen was rolling back the years, showing his commitment and helping organise the defence. Pocock had to make a good save low to his right as Echt used their young speedy wingers whenever possible.

It was half an hour before the opening goal arrived as the Abos were caught short down their left and when the ball was squared across goal it was left to the unmarked striker to tap in.

The Abos wide men of Fraser and Sullivan were having to a lot of defensive work meaning there was no outlet. Creegan and Johnston were working hard up front but were often outnumbered.

As with Mondays game the Abos conceded just before half time to give themselves an uphill task. It came from a set piece as the cross was headed back across goal for the unmarked No 7 to nod past Pocock from 5 yards.

Half-time: 0-2

It was largely one way traffic in the second half although there was no doubting the Abos effort. Mullen and Dempster were putting in solid shifts in the centre of defence while Munro was having his best game in a while in centre midfield, winning a lot of tackles and doing his best to retain possession and give his defence a breather.

The game was very open and the third goal arrived with 15 minutes left. A cross was only headed as far as the edge of the box and the Echt midfielders volley flew into the bottom corner.

The Abos pushed for a goal but Johnston shot straight at the keeper and Munro fired over from range. In the final play Sullivan shot over after the ball dropped to him following a corner but the Abos poor run continued and having only scored 5 goals in their last 8 games they’ll be hoping their luck changes and they can pick up 3 crucial points against bottom team Glendale on Saturday.

Full Time: 0-3

Team: F. Pocock, D. Craig, A. Russell, T. Mullen, J. Dempster, B. Munro, L. Sullivan, G. Ashton, M. Johnston, B. Creegan (E. Wilson), S. Fraser.

Man of the Match: T. Mullen