The Thistle Archive

Media report

13-Sep-2003, bbc.com

ABERDEEN EDGE OUT THISTLE. Aberdeen skipper Russell Anderson secured the Dons' first victory of the season with a 76th minute header against Partick Thistle at Pittodrie. Scott Booth had given the home side an early lead with his first goal since returning to the club before Jamie Mitchell equalised seven minutes into the second period. It was an evenly-matched affair with two limited, but determined sides creating a number of chances.

The home side went in front after six minutes when Thistle keeper Jakkup Mikkelsen was caught in two minds coming to collect a Paul Sheerin free-kick, leaving the unmarked Booth with the easiest of tasks to head home from six yards. Soon after, there was another blow for the Jags when ex-Pittodrie defender Derek Whyte limped off to be replaced by Jean-Yves Anis. Thistle responded well to the early loss of a goal and a dangerous corner from John-Paul McBride saw James Grady's overhead kick go narrowly wide. Sheerin then sent Scott Muirhead scampering clear down the left and the youngster steadied himself before driving in a low ball to the near post which Mikkelsen got down smartly to gather with Booth in close attendance. At the other end, Kenny Milne was unlucky to see a hooked shot from around 12 yards dip narrowly over the crossbar. With the half drawing to a close, Steve Tosh advanced along the by-line and picked out David Zdrilic with his cut-back and after the Australian's shot was blocked by Milne, the ball fell to Sheerin whose shot from 18 yards was brilliantly turned around the post by Mikkelsen.

The Dons should have extended their lead immediately after the re-start when Booth who drove into the area before unselfishly picking out Zdrilic Milne and Mikkelsen combined to thwart the chance. Thistle were deservedly back on level terms in the 52nd minute when Grady and Gerry Britton exchanged passes before the latter knocked the ball into the path of Mitchell, who gleefully stroked home from eight yards. Booth then completely wrong-footed Milne on the edge of the area before leaning back on his shot which flew high over the crossbar. Partick midfielder Stuart Taylor got on the end of an Anis cross but his header was off target and, after 70 minutes, only a fingertip save by Dons keeper David Preece low down to his left denied Milne. Six minutes later, Dons captain Anderson headed the winning goal when Tosh swung in a corner from the left and the defender rose above the Jags' defence to head home from six yards. Eight minutes from time, Tosh tried his luck from 25 yards but pulled his shot wide of Mikkelsen's goal.

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