Saints 0-0 Aberdeen (7.8.16)
First Team

Saints 0-0 Aberdeen (7.8.16)

8th August 2016

Last year's league runners up, Aberdeen, were lucky to leave McDiarmid Park with a point as Saints were unfortunate not to convert at least one of a number of chances created to see off the Dons on the opening day.

Second place finishers last season Aberdeen visited Perth to contest in the first game of the 2016/17 Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership.

The visitors kicked off in rather blustery conditions, and started the brighter, with Miles Storey firing a dangerous ball across Mannus' goalmouth, but the Saints 'keeper gathered with ease.

After 13 minutes, Brian Easton's through ball found the feet of Graham Cummins in the box, but the striker couldn't poke the ball past Lewis who saved well in the Aberdeen net

Chances would be few and far between for both sides until 10 minutes before half time when the visitors won a free kick 30 yards from goal, but Wes Burns' shot harmlessly sailed over Mannus' bar.

Joe Shaughnessy's long throw into the area 5 minutes later eventually fell to the feet of Swanson lingering on the edge of the box, but his powerful effort cannoned off the gloves of Lewis and bounced out for a goal kick after the rebound deflected off of Steven MacLean.

The half ended with both teams empty handed, sharing an equal portion of domination throughout the first 45.

48 minutes through, Blair Alston's ball into the box found the feet of Danny Swanson, who the laid it off to Graham Cummins, but he couldn't turn the ball into the bottom corner on the swivel.

Aberdeen enjoyed a dominant spell half way through the second half, winning a succession of corners and free kicks, but failed to capitalise on their undoubtful pressure on Saints. Though no real chances were carved out by the Dons

Substitute David Wotherspoon's ambitious effort from distance caused no trouble for the Aberdeen goalie 10 minutes from time, and it was beginning to look like a 'just one chance' affair.

However, that chance never came for either team, and both exited the park with a point each.

Man of the match: Steven Anderson (as chosen by Match Sponsors Nissan Perth)

Attendance: 5,728

Saints starting XI: Mannus, Scobbie, Alston, Anderson, Davidson, MacLean, Swanson, Shaughnessy, Easton, Craig, Cummins. Subs: Clark, Wotherspoon, McKay, Coulson, Paton, Kane, Comrie.

Aberdeen starting XI: Lewis, Logan, Shinnie, Considine, Reynolds, McLean, Burns, O'Connor, Stockley, Jack, Storey. Subs: Alexander, Rooney, McGinn, Morris, Storie, McKenna, Wright.

Match Report by Kerr Hall

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