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Maguire Makes A Point

04 April 2009

Langfield stop ensures draw

After a poor first half performance the Dons showed real character to bounce back after the break and earn a draw. The Motherwell opener came in the 9th minute when O’Brien played a one-two with Clarkson then hit a fierce shot that was deflected beyond Langfield in the Aberdeen goal. The Dons improved after the break and Maguire levelled in the 68th minute following a Severin long throw. Two minutes later the Dons were reduced to ten men following a harsh second yellow shown to Andrew Considine. The Dons held out and had Jamie Langfield to thank for a world class save deep into injury time that ensured a precious point.

Aberdeen kicked off in a cold and rain swept Motherwell, but it was the home side who threatened first when Lee Mair intercepted as O’Brien attempted to set up McGarry in the 3rd minute. Two minutes later a Mulgrew free kick was fired into a dangerous area, but McDonald and Mair both failed to take advantage. A McGarry shot in the 8th minute was comfortably held by Langfield, but a minute later Motherwell went ahead. O’Brien played a one-two with Clarkson then hit a fierce shot that was deflected beyond Langfield in the Aberdeen goal.

Aberdeen had made a poor start and at this stage they didn’t look like getting back on terms. Motherwell won the first corner of the match in the 17th minute, but the Dons managed to clear and Langfield was quick to spot Maguire breaking. The striker failed to collect, but two minutes later the youngster won a free kick wide left. From the set play Aberdeen won their first corner amid appeals for a spot kick. A second corner quickly followed but neither threatened the ‘well goal.

Motherwell went close to doubling their lead in the 24th minute but Sutton sclaffed his effort with the three-man Dons defence looking very suspect. Young threatened two minutes later as he turned from Hughes and tested Smith from 25 yards. Mair collected the first yellow card of the game for a trip on Clarkson in the 27th minute. The Dons were struggling to make any impact, but McDonald won a free kick in the 32nd minute. Smith comfortably clutched the ball from Mulgrew’s delivery and two minutes later Clarkson found acres of space and forced a fine save from Langfield.

A quick free kick from the home side found the Dons defence defence sleeping again in the 37th minute. Once again Langfield had to make another save to keep his side in the match. Motherwell won another corner in the 40th minute and Quinn was gifted a free header, but fortunately he steered the ball wide. A Hammell free kick was gathered by Langfield late on and the Dons were grateful when the referee ended the half after a minute of injury time. The Dons fans in the crowd voiced their displeasure as the players trooped off.

Jimmy Calderwood introduced Sone Aluko at the interval in place of Lee Mair as the Dons reverted to a back four. Foster had an early strike from distance that went wide and Miller went close to connecting with an Aluko cross. Smith was gifted an opportunity in the 48th minute, but a late bobble caused the player to fire wide. Aberdeen were looking a different team this half and they were showing early promise. Three minutes later Aberdeen won the first corner of the half but the delivery from Smith was poor.

Aluko was making a difference and should have had a free kick in the 55th minute, but the referee turned away from the appeal and seconds later Motherwell went close as Clarkson fired inches wide. Considine was booked in the 58th minute after remonstrating the award of a soft free kick that he looked to have won cleanly. Seconds later the defender was forced to concede a corner and McLean headed wide as the ball was fired over, Aberdeen’s strong start to the second half had eased and the home side were coming back into the game.

Vidal replaced Young in the 64th minute and seconds later Smith had to turn an Aluko shot round the post. The corner came to nothing and Vidal moved to full back with Foster moving forward to midfield. Aberdeen levelled in the 68th minute through a great finish from Chris Maguire. A long throw from Severin was flicked on by Lee Miller and Maguire controlled the ball on his chest before firing past Smith in the Motherwell goal. Just as Aberdeen looked to be getting the upper hand Considine picked up a second soft yellow card and was sent off.

Some of the officials decisions were starting to frustrate the Dons fans as soft free kicks were going against them. Sutton fired well over the top in the 78th minute as ten men Aberdeen were forced on to the back foot. Duff replaced goal scorer Maguire in the 83rd minute and a minute later a Reynolds shot failed to worry Jamie Langfield. Hughes went close in the 86th minute as Aberdeen defended desperately then Lee Miller was booked before Reynolds had another pot at goal.

Miller won a free kick in the 89th minute and the ball was half cleared before Aluko returned it into the danger area. Aberdeen then produced some pressure but it ended when a Smith cross was cleared from the danger area. Vidal then gave the ball away in injury time, but the youngster recovered to clear as Motherwell looked for a late winner. The home side won a corner in the second minute of injury time, but McDonald cleared. Then in the final minute Langfield made a heroic save from O’Brien that ensured the Dons earned a point and kept Motherwell four points behind.

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