The home side equalised 4 minutes after the interval. A good cross from Ferguson was headed in from close range by Craig Smart following a mix up in the Aberdeen defence between Jones and Higgins. Aberdeen regained the lead on 55 minutes with the Montrose keeper making a bad error as he spilled Scott Morrison?s low drive through his legs. The Dons lead was increased in 71 minutes with good work from Leigh Hinds. The Englishman held off a couple of players before setting up Bird who finished well.
Hutton saved Aberdeen on a number of occasions, particularly a close range effort from Conway midway through the first half and an outstanding stop from Gibson immediately after Aberdeen's third goal. It was a positive performance from the Dons XI and there were notable performances from Hutton and Morrison, whilst Bird's debut was encouraging.