Aberdeen 24 Hours On

Last updated : 18 May 2003 By Firparkcorner

We knew that the odds were against us yesterday but we still managed to make a good start. We were the dominant side for the first fifteen minutes and our pressure paid off with a goal. Sadly the goal gave Aberdeen a kick start and for the rest of the first half we were nothing short of abysmal. Terry Butcher’s decision to revert to a flat back four was questionable in the extreme and it was no surprise when we began shipping goals. All three goals were a direct result of individual errors that will have Butcher tearing his hair out.


Dejected Faddy
The second half was much better as we approached it free of worries and inhibitions. Chance after chance was carved out and subsequently squandered but at least the effort was there. Our late reward from the penalty spot was not enough to salvage us a point from a game we can only blame ourselves for losing.


Frankie DuBourdeau was appalling in the first half, looking uncertain throughout and he made a halfhearted attempt at Deloumeaux’s long range shot – this was a fatal blow at a crucial time. The other two principle villains were in the centre of our defence. Vaughan sold yet another goal when Hinds turned him and he will not be missed when he returns to Nottingham at the end of the year. David Partridge’s form has gone downhill since Vaughan arrived but there was no excuse for the way he was turned inside out in the build up to the third goal.


The rest of the team performed fairly well, apart from the disastrous half hour. McFadden was his usual lively self and having scored one and set one up he can be quite happy with his afternoon’s work. The main highlight was probably the performance of David Clarkson. After his initial burst into the side, Clarkson’s form has been slightly below par but yesterday he showed just how much potential he has. His goal was very well taken and his all round performance was impressive. If McFadden does depart, Clarkson will be expected to replace those goals and become a general hero.


So, our season has ended with a whimper rather than a bang. That is disappointing but we might yet escape with our SPL place. However, regardless of what division we are in, major improvements must be made before next season.