Stewart on the mark in Gayfield friendly win

ARBROATH 1 ABERDEEN 3

Aberdeen warmed up for next week’s vital Europa League qualifying tie by securing a hard-earned win over an Arbroath side which battled well throughout this fascinating pre-season friendly played in front of a crowd of 2,081.

The Dons took the lead in the 20th minute when Miles Storey broke clear on the right and delivered an inch-perfect pass into Adam Rooney who had the simple task of slotting home.

Storey was close to extending the visitors’ lead shortly afterwards, cutting in from the left this time before guiding his shot wide of Ricky Gomes’s left-hand post.

Arbroath enjoyed some good spells of possession but were unable to put any pressure on Aberdeen keeper Joe Lewis.

There was little surprise when the Dons went two ahead shortly before the interval, former Dundee striker Greg Stewart, who is on loan from Birmingham City, netting from 10 yards.

The Lichties created a great opening early in the second period but Kane Hester just failed to connect with Steven Doris and Lewis was able to smother the ball.

David Gold then saw Lewis tip his goalbound header past the post as the home side exerted some effective pressure.

Doris and Danny Denholm got into good positions but were unable to hit the target.

Sub Jayden Stockley eased some of the tension for the Dons by heading beyond replacement keeper Callum Brodie from close range in the 79th minute to make it 3-0.

Hester then came close to reducing the leeway only to be denied by another Lewis fingertip save, and a minute later the Arbroath man was on the mark with a fine effort from inside the box.

Picture: SNS. Former Dundee midfielder Greg Stewart battles with Arbroath captain Colin Hamilton.

Greg Stewart, left, celebrates his goal with Miles Storey and Adam Rooney.