Another Lewis penalty eases Dons’ drop fears
ABERDEEN 1 Ferguson (73 pen) DUNDEE 0
Lewis Ferguson’s ninth penalty goal of the season edged Aberdeen towards safety and Dundee closer to the Championship.
Not that Dons manager Jim Goodwin was getting carried away, despite going round Pittodrie applauding the home support at full time.
It was more relief than joy for someone who has now steered the club to just two wins in his nine games in charge – the only victories since struggling Aberdeen last beat Dundee at Pittodrie on Boxing Day.
Games like this show why Dundee are facing relegation as they failed to take advantage of controlling large spells in the first half.
Then they were caught out by a more intense display by the home side after the break with Jordan Marshall’s trip on Jonny Hayes proving crucial in 73 minutes.
Ferguson did the rest – only Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon has saved one his spot kicks in an otherwise flawless display from the 12-yard mark. It moves Aberdeen eight points clear of second-bottom St Johnstone with a considerable goal difference advantage.
Not quite the mathematical certainty of survival but near enough and Goodwin said: “It was relief at the end and I think that’s how we all feel.
“The players aren’t highfiving in there, we are in a poor place in the league for this club.
“It was about getting the victory and that’s what we have done but we have a lot to improve on.
“To win any game is an enjoyable moment but there was pressure and anxiety and that was understandable from both teams.
“Dundee kept going but I’m delighted to keep a clean sheet as we haven’t had many.”
The Dons might have hit the front in three seconds with Harrison Sharp in goal after Ian Lawlor was taken ill overnight.
Christian Ramirez touched the kick-off to Ferguson who went straight for goal, leaving young Sharp furiously back-pedalling.
Thankfully for the stand-in, the outrageous effort dipped on to the roof of the net as the Dundee goalkeeper didn’t look like getting there.
Not that Sharp seemed too bothered as he went on to make a fine save from the same player a few minutes later and Ramirez later on.
He also tipped a long range Connor Barron drive round the post but it was far from oneway traffic.
It took two excellent Joe Lewis saves to deny Dundee a lead they would have merited during a 20-minute spell.
Danny Mullen was denied after Max Anderson robbed Declan Gallagher to set up the striker up 20 yards from goal.
Then Lewis showed great reflexes to divert Paul Mcmullan’s close range deflection from former Dons midfielder Niall Mcginn’s cross.
Aberdeen looked a lot sharper after the interval and should have had a penalty shortly after the restart.
Left-back Jack Mackenzie burst into the visitors’ box and looked like he was wiped out by Cammy Kerr.
Willie Collum had other ideas but the referee did make amends later on following Hayes direct drive into the area.
The Dons should have been in front from open play by then but the otherwise impressive Vicente Besuijen dragged his shot wide after racing clear.
Ryan Sweeney did have a header cleared off the line by Liverpool target Calvin Ramsay while Lewis made another important save from Danny Mullan.
But Ferguson’s ferociously struck penalty for his 16th goal of the season always looked like settling the outcome.