November 2008 Archives

When Hibs beat us at Pittodrie earlier this season, few would bet that when we went down to Easter Road a few weeks later (anyone else find the fixture list bizarre this year?) we would be above them. However, three points against St Mirren and here we are.

Firstly, let's get the Dundee Utd game out of the way. While we deserved at least a point on play and chances, we gifted them a two-goal start and had Feeney not contrived to miss from 7 yards, it would have been three. It was almost a glorious fightback, but Mackie was unlucky to start his run too early. But for defensive errors, it might have been a very memorable day at Tannadice (where we are due a win) but the story of the season continues.

Next up were St Mirren, and I have yet to see a more inept outfit in the SPL this season. The conditions didn't help, but we were very poor. Nonetheless, we still managed to win thanks to a Considine strike which the keeper might have done better with and a cool Aluko finish.

Now for Hibs...the glorious unpredictability of the SPL means that it's hard to predict a winner, but we needn't go there with any fear. If the defence can keep Fletcher and Riordan quiet and avoid the costly errors which have plagued our season, Aluko, Mackie and Miller will cause them problems. They have lost their last couple of games, and if the crowd start getting on their backs, the pressure might begin to tell on them, as it has on us at Pittodrie recently.

A win at Easter Road, and we might start believing we can get something next weekend at Ibrox...

The Dons are now seven points from nine after winning a game they just shaded. The game was a snapshot of a typical Aberdeen win this season - long periods of being second best, nicking a goal and defending resolutely with the fans biting their nails until the final whistle.

The opening period of the game was a reminder of why a number of Aberdeen fans are sceptical about the current management. A team put together with little or no resources played us off the park with some excellent football, while we failed to string two passes together. Mehdi Taouil and David Fernandez were brilliant to watch, and we were chasing shadows. However, after the first 20 minutes, we began to find our feet and Miller missed an excellent chance shortly before half time.

For all Calderwood is criticised for tactics, credit must go to his second half switch. Miller ploughed a lone furrow through the middle, Mackie pulled right and Aluko left. This allowed Aluko in particular to stretch the Killie defence, and keep their full backs on the back foot. It was no surprise when Aluko scored, audaciously taking on a shot from a tight angle. His good form since his return north has definitely deserved a goal, as he's been by far our most entertaining player...addmittedly not something which has been too difficult.

After that, nerves set in and although the team defended diligently, it was nerve-racking to watch, particularly when Donovan Simmons smacked one off the underside of the bar. In fairness, though, Killie had few other chances despite their increased possession and territorial advantage. While it was great to win, 40 minutes of watching us sit deeper and deeper doesn't make for a pleasant afternoon, and it is no surprise that we haven't beaten a team by more than one goal this season.

Next weekend is the acid test of whether we're back to form...United away. This fixture has been traumatic in the last few years, save for a brilliant cup comeback a few years ago. Last season United beat us in the last minute, thrashed us in the other game at Tannadice when Langfield smacked it off Hunt and we missed a pen, and embarrassed us at Tynecastle. The usual big support will travel south, and an overdue win would demonstrate our credentials for third place.