.. Dons collect point in Inverness

Inverness and Aberdeen served up a 1-1 draw in blustery conditions at the Caley Stadium with goals from Richie Foran and Cammy Smith. The Dons found themselves behind to Forans penalty before Smith levelled seven minutes from time to rescue a point.

There was just one change for the Dons from the side that took on St Mirren a fortnight previous. Isaac Osbourne who had been outstanding so far this season missed out through injury, his place taken by Ryan Jack.

The conditions in Inverness were difficult throughout the game and the wind wreaked havoc for both sides despite the sun shining. The start of the game was a scrappy affair with neither side taking control but The Dons did manage to cause Caley Thistle problems when a Considine cross had to be headed away by Josh Meekings on 8 minutes. The resultant corner was dangerous but was cleared by Blackman for another.

On 19 minutes, Stephen Hughes was played through down the left in a promising move but he was tackled by Aaron Doran who received a booking for it. The resultant free kick was well held by former Don Ryan Esson despite the swirling wind.

A contentious decision to award Inverness a corner then resulted in a Dons break with Jonny Hayes bursting away but he eventually slipped and couldn’t take advantage of what was a decent opportunity.

Ryan Fraser was once again on the receiving end of some rough treatment in this game, Andre Blackman the first to foul the youngster and provide Aberdeen with an opportunity. Hughes whipped in the free kick but Russell Anderson headed well wide.

On the half hour mark, the Dons could have gone ahead when the ball fell to Ryan Jack in the box. He unleashed a shot at goal but unfortunately for the visitors it took a deflection and went wide for a corner with Esson stranded.

A long free kick from Langfield was collected by Vernon who flicked on for Hayes but his touch wasn’t good enough and the opportunity was wasted. Moments later Vernon found Hayes again and he layed the ball off for Hughes who’s shot was blocked by Tudur Jones, eventually resulting in a throw for the Dons.

There was then a chance for the Dons again with Magennis and Considine both failing to take advantage. Aberdeen were beginning to dominate the first half but still had nothing to show for it. A great interception then pass by Considine found Hughes who played the ball to Fraser and his cross for Vernon was unfortunately headed wide by the striker.

At the other Langfield had had a relatively quiet afternoon but should have been called into action on 40 minutes when the ball fell to Richie Foran. Inside the box, Foran should have shot first time when he had sight of goal but with the conditions the chance became more difficult and the Dons cleared.

Josh Meekings was then booked for a tackle on Stephen Hughes just before Half Time when it looked like he may break into the box.

HT 0-0

The Dons started the second half brightly and the blustery conditions caused early panic in the Caley box. Nobody could take advantage for Aberdeen though and the game remained goalless. At the other end Andre Blackman fired well wide of Langfield’s goal under little pressure.

On 53 minutes, Ryan Fraser was fouled yet again and this time it resulted in a red card for the Caley player. Tudur Jones’ late tackle on the youngster was punished severely by referee Salmond, and after treatment the Dons player did recover and carried on.

Aberdeen now had to make their advantage count and pushed for a goal after the sending off- Magennis had a good chance but his header went well over the bar. A few moments later the Dons numerical advantage was over. Russell Anderson was sent off after tackling Shane Sutherland who was through on goal. Referee Salmond sent the captain off and awarded Caley a penalty which Foran converted.

Caley then had the impetus and tried to take advantage- Graham Shinnie had Blackman in a great position to his left but chose to shoot- and fired well over.

Craig Brown made a couple of changes to try and rescue something for Aberdeen with Niall McGinn and Cammy Smith replacing Ryan Jack and Scott Vernon.

The rough treatment for Ryan Fraser continued and he was subjected to another tackle- this time from Foran which looked as bad, if not worse, than the tackle from Tudur Jones which saw him red carded. On this occasion though the ref let Foran off with a booking.

Inverness should have doubled their lead a short time later when they broke up field and with Aaron Doran bearing down on goal, Mark Reynolds made a tackle which was sufficient to put Doran off and avert danger.

Ryan Fraser was then replaced by Mitch Megginson as the Dons chased an equaliser. And they got it on 83 minutes to the relief of the large away support. A super run and cross by Hayes was headed in by Cammy Smith- his maiden goal for the first team. It was similar to his chance in the previous game against St. Mirren but this time the youngster converted on the ground where he made his top team debut back in April.

The game was frenetic in the final stages as both sides pressed for a winner but a long stoppage while Shane Sutherland was stretchered off took the sting out of proceedings and the game finished in a 1-1 draw.