Aberdeen survived a huge scare against Luxembourg part-timers Fola Esch to progress to the second qualifying round of the Europa League at Stade Josy Barthel.
The Dons produced a poor display against the Luxembourgish club and lost 1-0 but progressed 3-2 on aggregate.
Dons manager McInnes handed a competitive debut to new signing Anthony O’Connor. The midfielder, who joined the club two weeks ago from Burton Albion on a two-year deal, replaced Willo Flood in the starting 11.
The only other change from the side which won 3-1 at Pittodrie in the first leg was in attack where Peter Pawlett replaced the rested Niall McGinn who did not travel to Luxembourg.
The Dons wanted an early goal to kill off any hopes among Fola Esch of a comeback but it was the visitors was came close to scoring twice in the opening 10 minutes with forward Stefano Bensi just missing with a 40 yard attempted lob over Joe Lewis before attacker Samir Hadji beat the offside trap only for Lewis to block his effort at the near post.
The Dons just could not get going and their failure to get into the game or even attempt to nullify the home threat eventually cost them just before the break when Bensi sent Hadji clear and he ran free of the static Aberdeen backline before shooting past Lewis from 12 yards.
Worrying for the Dons, it was no less than the home side deserved.
There was no change in the pattern for the second half with Lewis forced to make a fine save to keep out Bensi’s 25 yard effort as the home side continued to pile on the pressure.
Emmanuel Francoise then struck Lewis’ right post with a low drive as the home side continued to push men forward in the hope of getting the second goal which would send them through but it was not to be.
Aberdeen go through, but only just.