Cobh Ramblers 0 Aberdeen 1

Aberdeen came through their opening pre-season friendly against Cobh Ramblers at Fota Island in front of a crowd of 250 with new big Chris Forrester scoring the game’s only goal in a match played in three half hour sections due to the excessive heat.

Forrester, along with Michael Devlin, Stephen Gleeson and Lewis Ferguson all made their Dons debuts while youngsters Dean Campbell, Bruce Anderson and Ryan Harrington also featured, with Ryan also making his debut.

The reds dominated against opponents who are in the middle of their campaign.

In the opening minutes the lively Frank Ross picked out Graeme Shinnie and his drive was blocked by keeper Adam Mylod’s legs. Fine save by the keeper. On 17 minutes a dangerous Aberdeen cross went across the face of goal and a few minutes later Lewis Ferguson saw a powerful drive blocked by a defender. Just after the half hour mark Adam Rooney claimed for a penalty when he was taken down in the box. Then Rooney went close in 40 minutes when his header came off the post. Niall McGinn then had a couple of chances with a header and a free kick.

The game’s only goal came after 62 minutes when Forrester finished well after good work from Gary Mackay-Steven and Graeme Shinnie.

All of the traveling party received game time other than Stevie May, Sam Cosgrove and Greg Tansey, who were carrying knocks with May and Cosgrove expected to be fit in time for Wednesday’s clash with Falkirk at Gayfield Park.

A big thanks to 100 or so Aberdeen supporters who came along to the game today.

Stats

ABERDEEN (starting XI): Lewis, Logan, Shinnie, Considine, McKenna, Rooney, Wright, Devlin, Ferguson, Ross, Campbell.

Aberdeen (period two): Lewis, Logan, Shinnie, Considine, McKenna, Rooney, Forrester, Devlin (Reynolds 45), Mackay-Steven, McGinn, Gleeson.

Aberdeen (period three): Rogers, Logan (Harrington 75), Shinnie, Reynolds, Considine, McKenna, Anderson, Forrester, Mackay-Steven, McGinn, Gleeson.

COBH RAMBLERS: Mylod, Fleming, O’Connor, Walker, McSureeny, D. Murphy, Broderer, Christopher, E. Murphy, Cronin, Fernandos.