Pre-season friendly - Wednesday, 21st July 2010
East End Park, Dunfermline
Scotland in mid-July, you can’t beat it.
Anyone wondering how potential new recruits would be able to handle the rigours of Scottish football on a wet Wednesday night were given some kind of insight, as Aberdeen travelled to East End Park on a very, very wet Wednesday night.
The slippery conditions made it difficult for any kind of fluid football (ironically... - Ed), but both sides coped admirably, as McGhee again took the opportunity to give the whole squad a run out. Jamie Langfield started in goals, with McArdle continuing at right back, Grant (The Count) Bassey on the left and a central pairing of captain-elect Zander Diamond and Jerel Ifil. Adnan Ahmed and Lee Hendrie occupied the centre of midfield, with Fraser Fyvie and Robbie Williams either side, while Michael Paton partnered Chris Maguire up front. There was further positive news as Andrew Considine returned from injury to take his place on the bench.
With Lee Hendrie taking top billing, there was a chance for the travelling support to get their first look at the England cap in an Aberdeen shirt. Should he sign permanently, then he may take time to adapt to the smash and run style of Scottish football, but even in atrocious conditions it was obvious that he has class sorely missing from our midfield. Although Aberdeen fashioned relatively little in the first 45 minutes, Hendrie moved the ball around comfortably and showed glimpses of his abilities.
The first half produced little of note, with half-chances at either end. Langfield produced a smart stop from Paul Willis, Chris Maguire had a decent opportunity and both sides went close from corners. This particular commentator also discovered that macaroni pies at East End Park are definitely not the choice for anyone lacking a stomach of iron.
At the start of the second half Mark Howard replaced Langfield, and within minutes there were wholesale changes. Foster replaced Fyvie, Okus came on for Hendrie, Folly took the place of Ahmed, while Jeff Smith replaced Jerel Ifil. Grant Bassey moved to centre back, alongside Diamond, where he proceeded to look considerably less comfortable than he had at left back.
The only goal of the game came from a clever piece of play by Andy Kirk, who centred the ball for Pat Clarke to head home from about six yards out. Could Mark Howard have done better with the cross and the header? It was difficult to see from where the (impressively sizeable) Aberdeen support were sitting, but the recent acquisition from St Mirren did produce an exceptional save from Joe Cardle twenty minutes later, tipping a thunderous shot onto the bar.
After the goal, Aberdeen looked considerably livelier, and kept pressure on Dunfermline for the remainder of the game. It took a brilliant reaction save from Kyle Allinson to deny Josh Magennis, although the young striker may be disappointed not to have scored. The Northern Ireland cap has been something of an enigma in his (admittedly very early) matches so far, as his strength in the air and ability to hold the ball up are undoubted assets. However, as with his other friendly appearances, he has almost looked too enthusiastic, taking heavy touches, over-running the ball and attempting the difficult option when an easy one is available.
In the latter stages, Aberdeen were camped in the Dunfermline half. Smith and Williams fashioned several dangerous crosses into the box to no avail, while Megginson (a late replacement for Maguire) repeatedly turned Neil McGregor inside out. If there was ever any doubt that McGhee will field a different Aberdeen side next season, this match should give some clue to that. Only three of the eleven who finished against Dunfermline have ever played a competitive match for The Dons.
Obviously, nobody wants to lose football matches, especially not against a lower league side, but there were far more positives on show at East End Park than there were negatives. Robbie Williams looks like a real find, and turned in another standout performance. Not only does Williams look like an improvement on Charlie Mulgrew defensively, his crossing ability, neat footwork and set pieces looked dangerous throughout the evening. He may look more Rugby League than Rugby Park, but of all of the trialists, he appears the most deserving of a longer deal.
Adnan Ahmed is another who has probably done enough to earn an extended deal. His style is hardly likely to set pulses racing, but he is neat on the ball, careful with possession and should be capable of challenging for a place in our midfield.
The news was slightly less encouraging for Yoann Folly, Conor Okus and Grant Bassey, who have looked slightly off the pace in each of the three matches they’ve been involved in. Okus and Bassey are both young enough to learn their trade and turn into capable performers, but do we have the budget to spare, on the chance it will happen? Jeff Smith seems like a good professional, who would certainly be a useful squad addition, but do we have the means to add squad players?
There were further positives from Chris Maguire, who showed that his game has moved on considerably in the last six months. Equally encouraging was Richard Foster’s successful deployment on the right wing, and Mitchell Megginson’s appearance in the second half. The young striker appears completely fearless, and his direct style was the catalyst for most of the chances Aberdeen fashioned.
Of course, there are still problems that need addressed before Hamilton come calling in August. The lack of a real striker was again apparent, as several chances went begging in the Dunfermline six yard box. Chris Maguire and Mitchell Megginson both showed great movement and intelligence, but neither is ready to lead the forward line just yet. Defensively there were also worries, as the partnership of Diamond and Ifil looked less than convincing at times. Certainly, both were generally commanding figures, but both are prone to carelessness. There were several occasions during the game when clearances went far further vertically than they did horizontally.
Reading anything into the past week’s friendlies is even more futile than usual, as McGhee effectively held open trial days for potential recruits and young hopefuls. In that sense, it would appear that the exercise has been successful, as we look to have found some impressive possibilities from the Scottish matches. With considerable movement off the pitch, it is highly likely there will be more new faces attempting to win a deal when we visit Tamworth on Saturday. Should rumoured signings come to fruition, and should we manage to find a striker on our travels, things will definitely start looking up for the new season.
Tubilay
Thomas Watt writes from a fan's perspective for STV.com
Aberdeen-Mad - written by the fans for the fans. Together we can make a difference.
