Aberdeen L Hearts L

Last updated : 18 August 2002 By Footymad Previewer

Aberdeen and Hearts had to settle for a share of the spoils in a scrappy game, which ended a goal apiece. In a game, which at times was as dull as the weather, the Dons lost four key players through injury.

Hearts went on the attack right from kick-off and in the opening couple of minutes they had two chances to take the lead with Mark De Vries posing a real danger to the Dons defence. The Dons were forced to make an early change when Eric Deloumeaux clashed with De Vries and was replaced by James McAllister.

After 18 minutes Aberdeen squandered a great chance to go ahead, but Darren Mackie's effort was hit straight at Hearts keeper Antti Niemi.

The pace of the match then settled down and despite there being no action in front of goal both teams were showing plenty of commitment in the midfield battle.

With the half coming to an end Dons keeper Peter Kjaer kept the score-line blank as his outstretched leg blocked a Gary Wales shot. Just before the break Aberdeen lost their second player when captain Darren Young was stretchered off, following a challenge by Stephen Simmons.

The home side opened the scoring in the 72nd minute, when Laurent D'Jaffo scored his first goal for the club.

The lead proved to be short lived when De Vries scored his fifth goal in a week to grab a share of the points for the Edinburgh side.

The home side also lost Mackie and Phillip McGuire through injury during the second half