The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Considine relieved to end heartache
Relief was the main emotion for Andrew Considine after he finally laid his Hampden heartache to rest.
The long-serving Aberdeen defender savoured his first victory at the national stadium on Saturday after setting up Adam Rooney’s 69th-minute opening goal in the Dons’ 2-0 Betfred Cup semi-final win over second-tier Morton.
The 29-year-old had been on the end of semi-final defeats against Dundee United, Hibernian, Celtic and Queen of the South in Mount Florida and knew the game against Jim Duffy’s team would not be easy.
Considine told RedTV: “That’s the seventh time I have stepped out on to that pitch and I have finally managed to get a win, which is great.
“And to have an assist for Adam as well for the first goal was great.”
Aberdeen started in determined fashion with a flurry of set-pieces and Kenny McLean forced a good save before Jonny Hayes headed against the bar inside the opening two minutes.
But Morton weathered the early storm and Joe Lewis foiled Jai Quitongo on a one-on-one before Rooney headed against the bar in first-half stoppage time.
Morton were having their best spell just before Considine headed Graeme Shinnie’s cross back across goal for Rooney to nod home, although Morton were aggrieved there was no offside flag.
The Dons created several more chances as the game opened up for them and McLean netted on the rebound with two minutes left to seal their place in next month’s final.
“We knew it was going to be a very tough game,” said Considine, who helped Aberdeen lift the trophy at Celtic Park in 2014.
“When you come into cup games like this you could be playing any team in any league and it’s just a one-off game.
“They gave it their best shot and they were in our faces. They had one really really good chance which Joe made an incredible save from.
“When you play teams from the lower leagues there is more of an expectation to win the game, each one of us know that, but it can be harder.
“Once the first 15-20 minutes were over and once they settled into the game, it was tough. But the boys showed their experience and they managed to get over the line.”
Morton boss Duffy was proud of his side’s display.
“I think most people thought it would be a canter for Aberdeen,” he said. “Some people underestimate the desire and organisation of the smaller clubs.
“I don’t think by any stretch of the imagination we were going to turn up and be lambs to the slaughter, and I think the players did themselves justice.
“We asked the players not to leave anything on the pitch. They didn’t.
“If you’re a supporter, you want players to play for the jersey. Every single player did that.
“But Aberdeen are a top-class side. They will finish second in the league for probably the third time in a row.
“They are one of the most consistent clubs and historically one of the most successful clubs. So for us to make it a difficult day for them was the first priority and I think we did that.
“We are probably just a wee bit disappointed that we didn’t take it a notch further.”