Aberdeen will face Chikhura Sachkhere in Europa League qualifying round two action. Star man in recent weeks Ryan Hedges has to perform once more if Aberdeen are to have any success.
He was exceptional in the two RoPS clashes, looking like one of the Dons’ main sources of creativity throughout the matches.
Hedges has been brilliant in his opening two Aberdeen games. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Now he has to continue his form of late over in Georgia.
Hedges could be the key to Aberdeen success
Out on the flanks Hedges has looked top class. He’s not a pace merchant, but the Welshman is a very technical footballer. Against RoPS, they couldn’t seem to handle that.
Hedges was twisting and turning throughout the two legs. He was very unlucky not have bagged an assist in the second leg over in Finland. He put in a brilliant ball from the right, only for Sam Cosgrove to somehow header it wide from about six yards.
RoPS struggled with Hedges. (Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images)
In the first leg the winger did manage to grab an assist. His counterpart Niall McGinn picked up one of Hedges’ many crosses to dink the ball into the net, giving the Dons a 1-0 lead.
A similar performance is needed in Georgia. If he can get at the Chikhura full-backs they won’t be able to handle him. If he performs anything like he did in the two RoPS clashes, the chances of a Red Army victory go up.
Hedges could be the key to Aberdeen success in their Europa League second round qualifier.