Peterhead shake up dismal Dons

BLUE TOON TURN ON THE STYLE AGAINST WOEFUL ABERDEEN

By paul third

Published:

RARE ATTACK: Jeffrey de Visscher takes on the Peterhead defence in the first half

SECOND GOAL: Peterhead’s Martin Bavidge raises his hand for some high fives from his team-mates

Aberdeen were put to the sword by a rampant Peterhead side last night as the search for the first goal of the pre-season campaign continued.

A woeful defensive display was punished by the home side with ease which was sure to leave manager Jimmy Calderwood furious.

While there was little to be gained from his side's attacking exploits, it is clear a central defender who can organise at the back, whether it be captain Scott Severin or someone else, is crucial. With Severin on the bench and Zander Diamond rested, the pairing of Andrew Considine and Lee Mair toiled for long spells. Bertrand Bossu was also given his first start at Balmoor and the Frenchman was called into action after just 70 seconds as he turned Martin Bavidge's shot over the bar after a fine ball from Blue Toon's Craig Gunn, making his first start since joining on a six month loan from Ross County yesterday.

It was one-way traffic in the opening exchanges and the Dons were punished on the quarter-hour mark when the home side took the lead. Neil McVitie's ball released Gunn down the left and the player beat Lee Mair before firing under Bossu. The visitors struggled to find each other in a disjointed opening spell but when they finally strung together a passing, Chris Maguire fired over from Darren Mackie's pass. They were made to pay for their miss in the 31st minute when Graeme Sharp beat Stuart Duff down the left before crossing to Bavidge who side-footed the ball past Bossu.

The Dons gradually got going before the interval but the rustiness was still evident as Smith's attempted lob over Paul Jarvie in the Peterhead goal went well over the bar.

Calderwood had seen enough and he made a triple substitution at the break with Lee Miller, Derek Young and Stuart Smith replacing Jamie Smith, Duff and Maguire. The introduction of the trio made for a much more competitive showing in the second half.

The introduction of Miller created a link between midfield and attack, but the cutting edge was still missing somewhat, despite the Dons enjoying much more possession as an attacking threat.

For all their passing, however, it was Neale Cooper's side who scored again with captain Bobby Mann netting a fabulous 30 yard free kick which rocketed into Bossu's top right hand corner. The misery was complete when Blue Toon substitute Konrad Kozminski added a fourth in the final minute.

Much to ponder for the Dons manager as he prepares his side for Monday's game at Brechin City before taking his squad out to Holland on Wednesday.

PETERHEAD — Jarvie (Kula 46), Donald, Moore, Mann, Skinner (D. Munro 71), McVitie, Sharp, Gunn (Kozminski 74), Bavidge (Bagshaw 82), Anderson (Cowie 74), McKay (H. Munro 71).

ABERDEEN — Bossu, Duff (S. Smith 46), Foster, Kerr, Mair, Considine, de Visscher (Stewart 71), McDonald (Pawlett 71), Mackie, J. Smith (Miller 46), Maguire (Young 46).