This was the sort of performance you dream of in a cup tie. Every player was committed to the cause and no quarter was given in the heat of battle. Brian Kerr lit up Fir Park with the winning goal in only the fifth minute – his tremendous 25 yard drive capping a fine passing move.
But it could all have been so different. Almost immediately after that strike Jamie Smith – one of the few Dons players who performed well – went on an excellent run before being tripped by McCormack in the box. Graeme Smith got booked for indulging in some psychological banter but it was well worth it. Jamie Smith took the penalty himself but his weak effort was saved and the rebound turned over the bar.
Play raged from end to end but clear cut chances were few and far between. McDonald came close to doubling our lead with a great turn and shot whilst Aberdeen were left to try speculative efforts from long range. However, on the stroke of half time Dempsey evaded our defences but got underneath his header and could only find the Cooper stand.
Aberdeen were not ready to give up the fight in the second half but for once the tactic of defending our own eighteen yard box proved worthwhile. They didn’t get behind us once in the second forty five and despite a lot of pressure they only conjured up two half chances, Stewart and Dempsey both firing off target.
We, on the other hand, could have wrapped things up. Foran and Fagan both went close before Scott McDonald headed wide when a goal seemed certain. It is worth noting that Foran provided the cross for that chance as well. Richie had an excellent game again tonight and if he maintains this level of performance it will be hard to remove him from the left of midfield.
Things were made marginally easier by the sending off of Alexander Diamond. His deliberate handball was surely an error of judgement – McDonald may have had a good chance but the offence took place barely ten yards into the Aberdeen half and it appeared as though at least one more Don would have the chance to intercept him.