Aberdeen come from behind to beat St Johnstone and move back to 3rd in the SPL: Reaction

Aberdeen 2-1 St Johnstone
Gordon 38′, Cosgrove 45+2, Taylor 54′
SPL
26/12/20

Derek McInnes got one over his former player as Aberdeen came from behind to beat St Johnstone at Pittodrie.

McInnes signed Saints boss Callum Davidson whilst in charge of St Johnstone.

The victory was secured after Sam Cosgrove’s penalty and Ash Taylor’s strike cancelled out Liam Gordon’s opener.

There was late drama when Callum Hendry was dismissed for a challenge on Matty Kennedy with a minute to go.

After Hibernian lost to Rangers earlier in the day Aberdeen jumped to third, two points ahead of the Hibees and two behind Celtic.

The victory also moves the Don’s one match closer to having an undefeated December.

If the Dons avoid defeat against Livingston on Wednesday they will have gone on a six match undefeated run after being disappointingly knocked out the League Cup by St Mirren at the end of November.

McInnes: “The players put so much into the game”

Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes was both relieved and delighted to see his side come from one-nil down to defeat The Saints and complete a double over the Perthshire club this season.

McInnes told BBC Scotland after the game: “We had it all to do (after falling behind). It was scruffy at times but I thought we were the better team in the second half.”

McInnes acknowledged Storm Bella played her part saying the conditions were tricky: “The wind really got up and caused all sorts of problems.”

All in all the Dons boss was happy with the player’s efforts: “The players put so much into the game and got the desired outcome.”

Davidson seething at red card and confused over penalty

Saints boss Callum Davidson was perplexed why the Dons’ Sam Cosgrove was awarded a penalty on the stroke of half-time.

Davidson told BBC Sport: “I’ve probably yet to see what the penalty’s for. It’s a huge turning point in the game.”

On the red card Davidson said his side doesn’t need to be missing more players: “I’m really disappointed, very frustrated because we need all our players to perform and get results.”

Further articles:
–Dons grab a good win away to Killie: Reaction
–Aberdeen draw with Hamilton on day Diego Maradona dies: Reaction
–War between hospitality and football brewing as Cormack fumes at antics in city centre bar after Scotland qualify for Euros
–Aberdeen take a financial battering in latest accounts but still no fans allowed
–Dons’ great Willie Miller calls for fans to be allowed back in stadiums for the good of the nation

Dons News catch-up

Unlucky against Motherwell midweek: The sixth away game in seven ended in a goalless draw for the Dons who gave a far better account of themselves against Motherwell after the 3-0 drubbing at home earlier in the season.

In fact Aberdeen probably should have won the game with the best chance falling to Curtis Main whose header cannoned against the bar in the first half at Fir Park.

Chairman Cormack’s Christmas message: It seems everybody’s following on from the Queen and making Christmas messages these days. Nicola Sturgeon did one and now Dave Cormack has sent a tribute to the Dons fans after what was a calamitous 2020.

Cormack left a video on @AberdeenFC saying: “2020 has indeed been a very challenging year but in spite of the pandemic we have seen everybody step up around the football club across the board, fans, directors, staff, get together and do the right thing by our community, and do our best to try put our club in a position where we can be the best we can be.”

Streaming to Atlanta: During the MLS off-season all 35,000 Atlanta season tickets holders will be able to access RedTV’s international platform and watch every live Aberdeen FC game over the coming winter and beyond.

The move aims to help increase Aberdeen’s reach into the burgeoning US football market.

Commercial Director Rob Wicks said of the deal on the Aberdeen FC website: “This partnership is the result of a great deal of innovative thinking between the two clubs, both seeking a progressive approach to fan engagement during what is a very challenging period.

“We believe our match‐day show, and other original content, will be very well received by supporters of the ‘The Five Stripes’.”

RIP former Dons player and coach Chic McLelland

Former Dons left-back Chic McLelland passed away today.

Left-back McLelland, who was part of dominant Dons sides of the 70s, also played for Motherwell, Dundee and Montrose, managing the latter for a season at the beginning of the 90s.

McLelland was still involved with the Dons until recently, helping run the club’s youth academy.

Willie Miller paid tribute to McLelland before Aberdeen’s Boxing Day game against St Johnstone, telling BBC Sport: “He was a very prominent player in the 70s. Influential on the development side as well and very sad to hear of his passing.”

Up next: Livingston, Away, Wed 30th
The second of Aberdeen’s festive triple header sees the Dons go to the Tony Macaroni Arena to face Livingston on Wednesday, KO 16:00.

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