what the managers said

Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes knew the main thing was his side’s progression after it took a penalty shoot-out to separate the Premiership Dons from Championship side Alloa Athletic.

Jamie Langfield’s heroics and then Mark Reynolds’ cool head ensured McInnes’ men took the spoils and avoided an upset.

“I need to say that some of our play in the first half was really slick, we moved the ball about well,” McInnes said.

“The tempo of the game and appetite of the players really knocked Alloa out their stride.

“Alloa are used to enjoying the game, and we didn’t let them do that. We didn’t get a goal which is a concern and gave Alloa encouragement, but I praise the players for their mentality to see it through.”

The Dons boss also praised the standard of both sides’ penalties.

He said: “The quality of penalties was fantastic for both sides, and their boy was really unlucky.”

Alloa boss Paul Hartley, himself a spot-kick expert in his playing career, agreed with McInnes.

“When it goes to penalties it can be a lottery at times. All the penalties were good and Langfield makes a great save. Sometimes there’s a hero and a villain,” he said.

Hartley was brimming with praise for his side, adding: “Overall I thought we were fantastic. We defended well, attacked well and pushed Aberdeen all the way.

“It’s another clean sheet, and I thought our three centre-backs were great. We matched Aberdeen all the way, and I was proud of them.

“They’ve got to keep that going for the rest of the season. It could have been an upset, but it wasn’t to be.”

“They’ve got to keep that going for the rest of the season. It could have been an upset, but it wasn’t to be.”

“They’ve got to keep that going for the rest of the season. It could have been an upset, but it wasn’t to be.”