Abos Ease Past Cove
Old Aberdonians 2 – 0 Cove Thistle
Premier Division on Saturday 31st May at Balgownie
With league safety assured the Abos were able to go out and enjoy their last two games of the season and had their sights set on finishing as high as possible. The first opposition to stand in their way were Cove who had fought back from three goals down to beat the Abos in a recent meeting. However the Abos knew that a victory today would relegate the reigning champions.
It was the home team who were much the brighter in the opening stages and if Wilson had had his shooting boots on then the game could have been over inside the first 15 minutes. His first chance was a close range volley from Johnston’s cross that he failed to keep down. Shortly after Marshall’s well weighted pass released the winger on goal but his shot was saved by the keeper before a neat pass from Fraser saw Wilson burst through beating two defenders only to slice wide.
The Abos were playing some excellent football and it was no surprise when the breakthrough came. A neat move saw Roper release Marshall with a ball over the top. The striker waited for support from Fraser whose scuffed shot fell kindly for Cameron to net his 30th of the season.
One move in particular must have involved 15 passes finishing with Craig of all people hitting the bye line only to see his cross knocked out for a corner with Fraser lurking. Johnston, Cameron and Fraser all combined to release Marshall moments later who saw the keeper get a crucial touch to divert the ball wide.
The second goal came before the break when Fraser and Wilson combined on the left with the latter squaring for the unmarked Marshall to knock home despite the keeper getting a hand to the ball.
Half-time: 2-0
In hot conditions the second half turned into a typical end of season affair. Cove never really looked as if they get back into the game with Edwards and Good looking solid and Pocock merely a spectator.
Another common theme of the half was the number of offside decisions that constantly brought to an end promising moves. Cameron had an excellent opportunity to seal the game but saw his initial effort and rebound both saved by the keeper before Fraser’s follow up was also blocked.
Although the game was very open the home team were guilty of trying to walk the ball into the net at times. Pocock finally had to make a save when the Abos were caught short in defence and the loose ball was struck towards the corner of the net only for the big keeper to show good reflexes and palm the ball wide.
The only drama in the closing stages was when Wyness’s challenge brought further anger from the Cove No 10. Despite a number of warnings throughout the game he was finally booked before continuing his back chat to the referee who had no option but to follow to follow it with a red card.
Full Time: 2-0
Team: F. Pocock, D. Craig (A. Russell), S. Johnston, G. Edwards, K. Good (S. Wyness), G. Ashton, M. Roper (L. Sullivan), A. Cameron, C. Marshall, S. Fraser,
E. Wilson.
Unused Subs: S. Murison
Goals (Assists): Cameron (Fraser), Marshall (Wilson)
Management Speak
A comfortable victory that could easily have been by a wider margin but for some careless finishing. The shutout was the first in 12 games and was a credit to the defence who looked solid throughout. Hopes of finishing fourth are still alive if the team can produce a victory over Great Western in their last game of the season on Wednesday.
