DEL IS CUP FOR FINAL
Comeback over Caley leaves Dons gaffer dreaming of Hampden glory
Derek McInnes is convinced Aberdeen can shock Celtic after watching his side warm up for their Hampden showdown with victory over Caley.
The Dons will head into their Betfred Cup Final on a high after coming from behind to win in the Highlands thanks to Kenny McLean’s double and an Adam Rooney penalty.
Lonsana Doumbouya headed the home side in front after 15 minutes but it was a goal against the run of play and the Dons hit them with a quick one-two and two goals in a fiveminute spell turned the game on its head.
McLean netted a free-kick leveller just before the half hour and Rooney netted from the spot – leaving him just one short of the half century mark for the Dons – before McLean made sure of the points in the last minute.
It was Aberdeen’s first win over the Highlanders in five attempts and they now face Premiership leaders Celtic on Sunday looking to inf lict a first domestic defeat on Brendan Rodgers.
McInnes led the Dons to the trophy in 2014, and he said: “I’m confident we have the players who have the ability to win a cup.
“We have certain players in good form so we go there in good shape.
“Celtic have proved a tough nut to crack for everyone this season so people don’t expect anything other than a victory for them.
“I am just delighted to be talking about a cup final because that’s where this club should be.
“We will need to get the balance right between attacking and defending but our intention is to go there and try to win the cup. We will only enjoy it fully if we can do that.
“It’s good to be going into the cup f inal on the back of two wins. We should have a full squad to choose form next Sunday and I’m pleased with the way we’re playing.
“We conceded a poor goal but the response of the players was excellent. The free-kick was quality from Kenny McLean and then the penalty kick after Jonny Hayes’ good play.
“The game was never over until the third goal near the end but I felt it was well deserved.”
Aberdeen threatened early on after good play by Graeme Shinnie – Caley’s Scottish Cup-winning skipper who was jeered by the home fans. He set up McLean and his 35-yard drive stung the palms of Owain Fon Williams. The Highlanders have conceded more goals than any other top-flight side and slack play gifted Aberdeen a chance that should have seen them concede league goal No.25 this season.
Ross Draper played the ball straight to James Maddison who had the unmarked Jayden Stockley in support but the on-loan Coventry City man overhit the pass and the ball ran out.
It was a wasted opportunity but classy Maddison almost made amends with a long-range effort brilliantly saved by Fon Williams.
But it was Caley who grabbed the lead with their first real chance. Draper floated the ball in and Doumbouya, on the back of making his international debut for Guinea, got in front of Anthony O’Connor to glance a header beyond Joe Lewis.
McInnes wouldn’t have seen that goal coming but his side soon hauled themselves level in some style after Aaron Doran was penalised for a foul on Maddison.
McLean took full advantage to send the ball over the wall and into the net.
And just five minutes later the Dons had their noses in front with Kevin Clancy pointing to the spot after Gary Warren barged Jonny Hayes to the ground inside the box after a brilliant run from the Irishman. Rooney stepped up to slot home from 12 yards.
The home side were rattled by that five-minute turnaround but had a chance early after the restart when Billy King sent a snapshot over the crossbar with Shinnie testing Fon Williams at the other end.
The Welsh keeper was kept on his toes and pulled off a stunning stop to push over Andy Considine’s header from Maddison’s corner.
But there was a warning at the other end when Doumboya’s header looped just over the bar.
Maddison was on the end of some crunching tackles but the home fans roared their approval when he was booked for diving – a decision McInnes said they will appeal – under a Josh Meekings challenge.
Shinnie’s popularity among the home fans dropped even further after a lunge saw Brad McKay carried off.
But he was the hero for the visitors with a perfectly timed challenge on Draper as he was about to pull the trigger inside the box.
And from there the Dons made sure of the points. Hayes caught Caley on the break with his pace and he slipped in McLean who kept his composure to slot home.