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matches

Aberdeen 0 - 0 Middlesbrough

HT Score: Aberdeen 0 - 0 Middlesbrough

Testimonial
Aberdeen win 7-6 on Penalties

25/07/2000 | KO: 19:45

Fond Farewell For Big Jim

In a night heavy on nostalgia, it was a fitting tribute to Aberdeen keeper Jim Leighton as almost 10,000 came to pay homage to the Dons greatest ever custodian. It was a case of what goes around, comes around as it was a friendly against Middlesbrough in 1978 that Leighton first appeared in the Dons first team at Pittodrie. Bryan Robsons' Premiership side were certainly behind the Dons in fitness terms, but it was a sound Aberdeen performance that paved the way for a win via a penalty shoot out.

Boro keeper Schwarzer missed the decisive kick in a game that was played in the friendliest of atmospheres. Both sides contrived to create and miss chances, and it was Notts County target Mark Perry who answered the call to help ease the Dons defensive problems.

Jim Leighton was unable to play, but was fit enough to take his place at the start before making way for Ryan Esson, and a standing ovation from the Pittodrie stands offered a fitting tribute to the last of the Dons Gothenburg Greats.

Hicham Zerouali showed glimpses of his vast potential, Eoin Jess and Derek Young may have been in top-drawer company, but certainly did not look out of place. At half time the Dons Sky Masters side treated the crowd to some antics with Willie Miller, Stewart McKimmie, Jim Bett, and Doug Rougvie joining in the fun.

For the record, Solberg, Jess, Winters, Dow, Young, Clark and Zerouali scored from the spot for the Dons.

Aberdeen Teamsheet
Leighton (Esson 1), Rowson, Perry (McGuire), Solberg, Dow, Young, Young, Jess, Winters, Stavrum (Clark), Zerouali.

Unused Subs: Preece, Belabed, O'Donoghue, McCaffrey.
Middlesbrough Teamsheet
Attendance: 10,000
Venue: Pittodrie Stadium, Aberdeen