Aberdeen missed out on the chance to go second in the Scottish Premiership after being held to a draw at Hamilton Accies this afternoon.
Kenny McLean’s early goal had given the Dons the lead before Dougie Imrie equaliser for Accies at New Douglas Park.
Dons captain Ryan Jack missed the game due to injury meaning manager Derek McInnes made one enforced change from the team which beat Dundee United on November 7 with Niall McGinn replacing the absent skipper.
Aberdeen were eager to build on their return to winning ways against the Tangerines but they nearly found themselves a goal behind with just a minute played as Ash Taylor’s poor passback attempt sent Dougie Imrie clear on goal but Dons goalkeeper Danny Ward saved the shot before Taylor completed the clearance.
But the Dons responded in impressive fashion as they opened the scoring in the fourth minute.
McGinn was the creator, breaking clear down the right before crossing for Kenny McLean who hammered a shot in off the underside of the crossbar.
Peter Pawlett fired wide when clean through on goal before Accies came into the game and created chances of their own but the Dons weathered the storm before finishing the first half on top and McLean was unlucky not to add a second as Accies goalkeeper Michael McGovern tipped his effort past the post.
The second half failed to match the excitement of the opening 45 minutes but the stage was set for a frantic finale when Hamilton drew level with 20 minutes remaining.
Dougie Imrie got the goal, netting the rebound after Danny Ward had parried a low shot from Accies midfielder Gramoz Kurtaj.
Jonny Hayes clipped the crossbar for the Dons as they pushed for a winner but in the end they had to settle for a point.