Aberdeen have gave themselves a decent chance of qualifying for the third round of Europa League qualifiers after a 1-1 draw with Chikhura Sachkhere.
Derek McInnes’ side fell behind in the first half, but a second half penalty from Sam Cosgrove means the Dons have the away goal advantage.
Cosgrove has given the Dons away goal advantage. (Photo by Scott Baxter/Getty Images)
It puts them in a healthy position ahead of next week’s second qualifying round second leg match against the Georgians.
Here’s how NTOF has rated the Dons that featured in Georgia.
Joe Lewis- 6
He could have stopped Sachkhere’s penalty. He was decent apart from that moment though and made a very good save late on to prevent Mikheil Ergemlidze putting the Georgians in front.
Solid as usual. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Shay Logan- 7
He deputised at left-back for 30 minutes of the first half before returning to right-back for the final 45 minutes. He played well on both sides and prevented many Chikhura attacks from the flanks.
Ash Taylor- 4
The Welshman was booked for a poor tackle and was hooked after 17 minutes with injury.
Scott McKenna- 7
McKenna dealt with most things Chikhura threw at him with ease. Wasn’t particularly troubled but a pleasing night for him regardless.
A good performance from the Aberdeen man against Chikhura.(Photo by Scott Baxter/Getty Images)
Andy Considine- 6
Was moved into central defence after Taylor limped off. Used his experience to adapt to the position and see out the game.
Funso Ojo- 6
His Dons debut got off to a horror start after he conceded a first-half penalty. Ojo has real quality but looked far too keen to jump into tackles. He was booked on the night and was perhaps lucky to still be on the pitch at full-time.
Niall McGinn- 5
Was anonymous for most of the game. His impact from the flanks was minimal but it wasn’t for the lack of trying. Didn’t seem to get going in Georgia.
McGinn didn’t make an impact. (Photo by Scott Baxter/Getty Images)
Lewis Ferguson- 6
Put himself about as he usually does. Despite that, he never really made much of an impact on the game as a whole. He made some decent passes and was always tracking back to help the defence.
Jon Gallagher- 7
His versatility was used against Chikhura. Gallagher was a bright spark in attack early on but was placed at right-back after Taylor’s injury. He didn’t impact the game as much from there, but looked more lively when he was put back into midfield.
Ryan Hedges- 8
Caused Chikhura havoc in the first half with his driving runs and dribbling skills. Played a huge part in winning the Dons penalty after another run at the defence. Hedges even deputised well at left-back for a period in the second half.
Aberdeen man Hedges has been brilliant so far and performed well against Chikhura. (Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images)
Hedges looks like a real coup for McInnes.
Sam Cosgrove- 5
He tucked his penalty away nicely but overall the striker was poor. He struggled with the physical side of the game and failed to contribute to many attacks. His link-up played also left a lot to be desired.
Craig Bryson- 6
Clearly rusty and not near full match fitness, but Bryson still coped with the game well over in Georgia. He’ll be of more use when he’s fully fit.
Bryson will be decent once fit. (Photo by Steve Feeney/Action Plus via Getty Images)
James Wilson- 5
Was brought on deep into the second half. Didn’t have much time to do anything.