When you thrash someone 6-1, it is not unreasonable to assume that the manager will try to keep the same team for the next game. Not so in our case. While we were forced into leaving out Pearson and Partridge, we also changed from 3-5-2 to 4-4-2 with Sengewald dropping to the bench as well.
The wisdom of this move was questioned for the first twenty minutes as we made a very nervous start. Aberdeen flowed forward and forced DuBourdeau into a few solid saves. However, by the time D’Jaffo missed a free header from eight yards we were beginning to come back into things and the Dons attack was being contained.
Indeed, we carved out the next two chances but Ferguson and Lehmann could not direct their shots on target. The goal we lost was unlucky. The Aberdeen attacker who collided with Quinn should probably have been penalised but wasn’t. The gap in our defence was exposed by Derek Young and he made no mistake.
Previously, we may have collapsed. Earlier in the season we have lost silly goals and the roof has caved in. This time, we put our heads down and concentrated on the job at hand. It took an excellent goal line clearance to stop Lehmann levelling before the break. The pressure continued after half time and further chances were squandered before Kinniburgh scored.
As expected, Aberdeen stepped up a gear but our defending was strong and DuBourdeau was rarely troubled.
Special mentions must go to Kinniburgh and Quinn but the defence in general was excellent. The two youngsters were superb and should be very proud of their efforts. The midfield and attack worked tirelessly all day despite not getting the breaks and they did enough to make sure Aberdeen could never relax.
Pearson and Partridge are still out for the next game at Dens Park and it will be an anxious wait to see if James McFadden joins them. He seemed to hurt his thigh again but did not need to go off so hopefully will be fit. Faddy did not have his most productive day but his direct running won countless free kicks for us. His very presence also create space for others as defences crowd round him.
Pittodrie is a difficult place for us to go and with Aberdeen receiving a boost from a new manager, a point was a very acceptable outcome. If we can perform in the same way next week, the revival is likely to continue.