FC Volendam 1 - 2 Aberdeen

HT Score: FC Volendam 0 - 0 Aberdeen

Friendly

Aberdeen scorers: Clark 68, Nicholson 81.

24/07/2005 | KO: 14:30

dons finish on a high

Aberdeen completed their pre-season schedule today with a 2-1 win over FC Volendam in Holland. After falling behind, goals from Chris Clark and Barry Nicholson sealed a 2-1 victory ahead of the new campaign. Jimmy Calderwood was able to select Scott Severin for the first time during this pre-season campaign and he started in defence along side Zander Diamond. In a 4-4-2 formation, Richard Foster and Ritchie Byrne filled the full back roles; Clark and Winter were in the centre of midfield with Nicholson and Muirhead wide while John Stewart started again up front with Jamie Smith, who during the tour has shown his versatility by playing in several different positions.

In a dull first half Aberdeen's only real effort was a Chris Clark shot that was blasted over the bar after the midfielder latched on to an excellent Richard Foster cross. FC Volendam had the better of the chances in this opening spell and went close when they were gifted a free header which was steered over the bar and again from a corner, which was played deep before being cut back across goal where Esson was relieved as the shot was volleyed over the bar.

Jamie Langfield replaced Ryan Esson at the interval but Scott Severin played the whole 90 minutes, which will have delighted Jimmy Calderwood. Scott even had a chance to get his name on the score sheet, but his powerful free kick was hit straight at the keeper. Volendam then took the lead following some poor defending by the Dons. A simple ball over the top from the full back position left their striker one on one with Langfield and he put it away comfortably.

Aberdeen finally equalised in the 68th minute following a John Stewart shot that led to a scramble in the goalmouth. Jamie Smith took command and cut the ball back for Chris Clark to turn the ball into the net. The goal gave the Dons confidence and they pushed for the winner, which came in the 81st minute. Jamie Smith was once again the provider when he played a superb cross to Barry Nicholson. The midfielder took the ball down well and tucked it in at the right hand post. Volendam pushed hard at the end for an equaliser and with virtually the last kick of the ball hit the cross bar but thankfully the ball bounced on the line and was cleared.