It was honours even at Pittodrie this afternoon. There was plenty of effort on show, but unfortunately for the fans precious little entertainment as both sides struggled throughout.
After a rather nervy start by the home side, Jamie Smith almost gave the fans something to cheer about after 11 minutes. He swept the ball out to Kevin McNaughton on the left, and was on the end of the wing-back's deep cross to climb above Jason Dair, his powerful downward header being brilliantly held by Roddy McKenzie.
Minutes later Barry Nicholson wasn't far off target with a snap-shot on the turn from a Gary Dempsey knock-down.
Aberdeen had a scare after 22 minutes when a long ball out of defence saw Chris Clark and Paul Dalglish clash for the ball. The big striker held off the challenge before driving in on goal. Dons' keeper Ryan Esson did just enough to block the shot with his body.
The home side's response was immediate as they raced to the other end with Scott Severin taking out Steve Lovell, who beat Greg Strong on the left before chipping the ball into the area. Jamie Smith got ahead of his man but failed to trouble McKenzie with his header.
The start of the second half had to be delayed for 10 minutes with referee Eddie Smith having to retire injured.
Aberdeen ought to have taken the lead after 61 minutes when good interplay between McNaughton and Smith saw the latter's cross pick out Lovell, whose glancing header went narrowly wide, although the big striker should have done much better.
After 67 minutes, Aberdeen's Stevie Crawford streaked past his marker before unleashing a tremendous shot which crashed off the crossbar. Smith picked up the rebound and clipped the ball up to the far post for Lovell's header to cannon off a Livvy defender and away for a corner.
Aberdeen were then awarded a very soft penalty after 71 minutes when Allan Walker was harshly judged to have handled a Severin cross. Justice was done, however, as Lovell lashed the resulting kick wildy over the cross bar.
Livvy substitute James McPake almost snatched a late winner when he rode the challenge of Alex Diamond but lacked composure as he dragged his shot wide of the upright.