St Johnstone 0-0 Aberdeen
SPL
27/01/21
Aberdeen drew 0-0 with St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park in a game best forgotten.
Apart from a collision between Ross McCrorie and Tommy Hoban in the opening minutes – which saw Hoban withdrawn from the game – the only other notable incident to report was a shot by Matty Kennedy midway through the second half which was tipped over by Saints keeper Zander Clark.
The draw means that Aberdeen remain third, three points ahead of Hibs but with the Hibees losing to Rangers in the 7:45 kick-off the Dons have a game in hand and can increase their lead over Jack Ross’ side.
Second looks out of reach now for Aberdeen with Derek McInnes’ side six points behind Celtic after the Hoops beat Hamilton 2-0. Lennon’s side also hold a game in hand.
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Derek McInnes: “We’re just searching for that bit of quality, somebody who is going to make a difference for us. The effort of the team to a man, there was some good stuff played there on a difficult surface. Matty Kennedy was outstanding in the first half carrying the fight.
“At the end it just comes to that last bit and you are searching for somebody to be that regular goal scorer for us but we have to take the point and move on.”
*On Tommy Hoban’s injury McInnes said the defender was not concussed after his collision with McCrorie but that it was taking too long to patch up a cut he’d sustained and so they decided to substitute him.
Saints manager Callum Davidson: “I would’t say it was the prettiest game in the world to watch. It was one of those games where we cancelled each other out. We both play similar systems so it was difficult getting fluidity in the game.”
The most interesting thing to happen tonight was off the field with the surprise inclusion of McCrorie who came in for Funso Ojo.
After coming off injured in the loss to Ross County eleven days ago McCrorie was reported to be out for two weeks, but the midfielder was drafted in early perhaps to cover for Funso Ojo who was out of the squad entirely .
Ojo started the last game against Motherwell but was omitted from the squad tonight and is believed to be close to a loan deal to Wigan.
Apart from that there were no changes to the side that beat Motherwell at the weekend, which meant Scott Wright retained his place in the starting eleven.
A minority of Dons fans have expressed their frustration at Wright’s continued inclusion with the forward having agreed a move to Rangers in the summer.
Further articles:
–Last Match: Aberdeen Beat Motherwell 2-0 To Move Back To Third In The SPL
–McInnes unsure whether Wright will be at Aberdeen for the remainder of the season: Here’s what he said in the Saints pre-match press conference
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McInnes spoke in his pre-match press conference about the stick received by Wright – which included a banner pinned outside Pittodrie in protest to the forward’s move to one of the Dons’ arch rivals.
McInnes said of the incident: “I can’t be surprised by that. I’m pretty sure Scott would have anticipated it as well.
“That’s something he has to deal with. A section of the supporters have voiced their feelings towards that as it is a tough one to take.”
Questions around Wright’s inclusion arose with supporters wondering why a player who has agreed to leave is still involved in the club’s plans?
But with Aberdeen in a close tussle for third place and with nine matches left, Wright is still required to help see the Dons over the finish line.
Up next: Livingston, away
Next up Aberdeen take on the fit and proper David Martindale and his rampant Livingston at the Tony Macaroni stadium, Saturday, KO 3pm.
Harry Jamshid Reporter Sports Pages 