A second-half revival from Aberdeen ensured Derek McInnes and his side started their pre-season preparations in encouraging fashion ahead of their European campaign.
Second-half goals from Adam Rooney and Niall McGinn drew the sides level after St Patrick’s Athletic held a two goal lead at the break thanks to goals from Mark Quigley and Chris Forrester.
With both clubs entering into European competition next month, the pace and energy that was on show at Richmond Park indicated this clash was more than just a friendly.
The home side took the lead with less than two minutes played, after Mark Quigley powered home a Conan Byrne corner into the bottom left corner. The Saints doubled their lead just past the quarter hour when Chris Forrester dispatched a swerving left foot drive into the top corner. Aberdeen’s lack of match practice was clear to see as the Dons toiled in a dire first half.
However, Derek McInnes’s side returned for the second half a rejuvenated outfit, and soon had their rewards. Adam Rooney halved the deficit early in the second-half after tapping home a rebounded effort from Niall McGinn.
Aberdeen continued to put pressure on the home defence as a much deserved equaliser arrived. After Ken Oman was dispossessed by Willo Flood in his own box, the former Manchester City midfielder teed up Niall McGinn who had the easy task of firing past Rene Gilmartin in goal.
Aberdeen will look to improve their match sharpness further when they travel to Brechin City on Wednesday ahead of their Europa League first-round qualifier on July 3.
Source: Goal.com