22/02/2025
Dons beat top of the table opposition twice in a week!
Mark Twain is reputedly the source of the saying: " _history does not repeat, but it does rhyme_ ".
Whilst observations of broad sociological trends may have had in initial intention grander topics than local Sunday league football, such as geopolitical imperatives or dynastic turnover, the phrasing seemed aposite on a day when the league-leading Versace Versace were overturned for the 2nd time in a week by a supposedly less fashionable (but also less repetitive) Aberdeen for the second consecutive week.
(Near) history did not repeat itself; the score was different, the ordering of goals was different, the squad was almost entirely different, and the game was (mercifully) not in Fu***ng Hackney. But it certainly rhymed, as a resolute and resilient Dons side withstood the opposition offence and delivered devastating attacks of their own to run out 3-1 winners.
A depleted but, almost, hangover-free Dons side lined up in a 3-5-2 formation, aiming to dominate the midfield battle, use the skill and pace available on the wings and bring the complementary strike force into the game as much as possible. And much of this materialised, with the central midfield trio of George, Brad and Kieran snapping into challenges and harrying the opposition, who largely resorted to long balls, seeking to take advantage of favourable wind conditions and a pitch which slowed up play considerably.
Chances were largely fleeting for the opening stanza as both teams battled in the middle of the pitch, but a Versace foray forward saw the initial cross cleared, but only to the edge of the Dons' box. With the ball bouncing awkwardly, the Versace midfielder flailed wildly at it, caught it fortuitously and lofted it into the net.
With the wind at their back in both a literal and a metaphorical sense, Versace pushed forward, looking to extend their lead before half time. Yet the Dons stood firm, and good work from pink(ish)-haired right winger Will saw him set debutant striker Cam free: his first touch expertly took him into the box, he pushed himself wide of the keeper, but couldn't quite find the finish as Versace held on.
Spurred on by their closing window to maximise their time with conditions in their favour, Versace spurred forward, and utilising the long throw of their centre back enjoyed a period of sustained set-piece pressure.
The Dons stood firm under pressure, though one initial clear saw a scramble followed by a poke towards goal that required an outstanding covering save from Dons' keeper Hugo. Ultimately, however, the pressure yielded a result, with a Versace player tripped in the box: the referee pointed to the spot with no hesitation.
The same lack of hesitation could not be said to be seen from the Versace penalty taker, as he stuttered his run-up but was out-psyched by Hugo, who stood tall and easily held the ball.
That save, coming soon before half time, meant the Dons came out 2nd half not only with the wind at their backs but also in their sails. From the off they pressed, moving into a back 4 that helped free wide men Eric and Will to press higher. From one resultant press, centre forward Ewan collected in the centre; slipping a couple of tackles, he unleashed a shot goalwards that the opposition keeper could not hold and could not regather before Cam had pounced to tuck the ball away.
The scores even, the Dons pressed further forward and nearly took the lead as the keeper took a short kick, Cam robbed the recipient defender, but wasn't quite able to slot in from a tight angle.
That second goal would not be long in the waiting, however. Ewan pressed the opposition keeper: harried and panicked, he made little distance with his rushed clearance, Cam robbed the defender and from 25 yards insouciantly lobbed the stranded keeper.
With the advantage to Aberdeen, Versace poured forward in search of an equaliser, but the Dons defence stood firm. Centre backs Kieran and Joe dealt with everything coming their way, with the latter executing a superb sliding block on the one occasion the opposition got in behind the Dons' defence. Right back Eamon produced some superb blocks, and his partnership with right midfielder Will remained a threatening outball for the Dons, whilst on the left wing Eric and, subsequently, Aberdeen manager Maverick continued to harass the opposition, turn over ball and create chances.
It was from one of these chances towards the end of the game, with Eric turning the ball over near half way and driving forward with George in support, that the Dons won a corner. Brad's delivery to the front post was moved looped towards goal by Ewan, past the despairing grasp of the opposition keeper.
At 3-1, with little time left, Versace tried for a consolation, but the league leaders couldn't find a response. Maybe, after all, the rhyme was about dynastic succession....
Motm- Joe
Goals- 2x Cam, 1x Ewan