Motherwell 2 - 3 Aberdeen

Aberdeen took the lead in the 28th minute with another absolute stunner. This time the ball broke to Deloumeaux a good 40 yards out. He then hit an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net. The ex-Motherwell player looked as surprised as anyone as he continued his incredible scoring record against his old team. The speculative drive should have been dealt with by Deloumeaux's fellow countryman in the Motherwell goal.

Aberdeen were by now in complete control and scored again on 33 minutes when Hinds fired in a shot, which was only half stopped by the Motherwell keeper. Paul Sheerin was on hand to stroke the ball into the empty net as the Motherwell defence stood and watched. The Dons almost made it four on the stroke of half-time when further dodgy goalkeeping let Hinds in, but his shot from a tight angle could not find the empty net.

Motherwell started the second half strongly and were unlucky not to pull a goal back in the 50th minute. A Hammell shot was cleared off the line by Stephen Payne and straight into the arms of Kjaer. The Lanarkshire team were now throwing everything at the Aberdeen defence and a mixture of poor finishing and good defending kept them at bay.

Motherwell then made a double substitution with Offiong replacing the unimpressive Adams and Craig replacing Vaughan. The powerful Offiong made an immediate impact with his direct style causing a few problems. He put the ball in the net on 80 minutes but the linesman came to Aberdeen's rescue by flagging for offside.

Motherwell finally got the goal their play deserved. After 83 minutes a driven cross clearly struck the arm of NcNaughton and referee Rowbotham had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. A minute later Sheerin should have finished the game when he was clear through on goal but the Motherwell keeper made amends for his earlier mistakes with a fine save. It was the Dons' first real effort on goal in the second half.

Ross O'Donoghue replaced Tosh on the stroke of full time and with almost his first touch he should have scored when he was put clean through but his tame effort was easily saved. Motherwell threw everything at the Dons in injury time, but the Dons held out to collect another three points.

Captain Kjaer rightly received a standing ovation from the Red Army for his outstanding performance. Although he will not be part of things next season, this performance will give the Aberdeen supporters real hope for next season.