07/04/1984
|
 |
Aberdeen |
|
2 - 1 |
|
Motherwell |
|
| Kick Off:
3:00 PM |
|
McGhee 12, Strachan 37. |
|
|
|
Rafferty 84 |
|
|
| Attendance: 15,500
|
|
| Venue: Pittodrie Stadium, Aberdeen |
|
| . |
|
 In this run-in to the league championship Motherwell put up strong opposition to the title favourites. There was as much interest in this game off the field as Cologne's vice-president was in the grandstand weighing up Gordon Strachan. 15,500 witnessed a splendid display by the little redhead, capped by a magnificent goal. How much would the German club owe Aberdeen if they decided to buy him?
Motherwell's debut keeper, 18 year old Alistair Maxwell, did not have long to wait to pick the ball out of the back of his net. The Dons were determined to atone for their recent lapses, including a draw with Hearts and a defeat by Celtic, and they scored after 12 minutes.
The Motherwell defence was caught napping by a long ball from Eric Black which was knocked down by Ian Angus. Mark McGhee had plenty of time to complete the move with an accurate shot from 16 yards. Gordon Strachan and Black, reinstated to the side after being "rested" for the previous match against Hearts, were keen to show they were back in better form than ever.
Aberdeen had produced a surprise tactical move by fielding Stewart McKimmie in midfield. Strachan was starting to weave his magic and was sure to impress the watching German official and Black was booked for a late tackle on the midfield dynamo. When the visitors broke suddenly into attack former Don, Andy Harrow, missed a good chance with only Leighton to beat. Motherwell then survived a strong appeal for a penalty when Eric Black suffered a crunching tackle by his Motherwell namesake.
In 37 minutes Strachan took the opportunity to show why he was one of Europe's most wanted men. He collected a short pass from Black, ghosted past a defender and coolly slipped the ball into the net from 20 yards for another demonstration of his opportunism.
Motherwell sent on Gahagan for McFadden and Alex McLeish was required to stop the substi¬tute at the expense of a corner. Next Aberdeen replaced McKimmie with Ian Porteous in 50 minutes. It was one of those days when the ball was not running smoothly for Black and he missed two opportunities to score in as many minutes. On the hour mark the visitors withdrew Harrow to give Alexander a game. Motherwell were still showing plenty of spirit and Forbes had a header which struck the crossbar. Gordon Strachan was still prompting and scheming and, in general, having a brilliant game but the goals would not come. John Hewitt replaced Ian Angus in an effort to add more punch to the attack.
McLeish took a knock but recovered and seemed to be in no trouble for the mid-week encounter with Porto of Portugal in the semi final of the European Cup-Winners' Cup due in Portugal.
Motherwell, who were doomed to relegation, battled bravely and they were rewarded with a goal 6 minutes from the end. Forbes passed to Rafferty and he sent a low drive past Leighton, The game ended with Black blocking an Eric Black drive on the goal line.
|
|
Aberdeen Teamsheet:
Leighton, Mitchell, Rougvie, Cooper, McLeish, Miller, Strachan, Black, McGhee, McKimmie (Porteous 50), Angus (Hewitt 75).
Unused Subs:
Bookings: |
|
Motherwell Teamsheet:
Maxwell, McLeod, Black, Forbes, Kennedy, Lyall, McFadden (Gahagan 46), Rafferty, Boyd, McAllister, Harrow (Alexander 60)
Bookings:  Black 25 |
|
|
| Referee: |
|
|
A. M. Roy, Elgin |
|
about the trust
Watch Highlights on RedTV (Subscription Required)