Del takes Stock as Reds run riot
Peter Pawlett turned from hero to villain after netting a first-half opener before being red-carded in Aberdeen’s friendly win.
The 25-year-old midfielder was sent- off along with Arbroath’s Martin Scott as they exchanged blows on the touchline.
But while that incident is set to lead to suspensions for both men, Aberdeen will still be pleased with the way they limbered up for Thursday’s Europa League third round qualifier with NK Maribor.
A Jayden Stockley double and strikes from Pawlett and Miles Storey put Dons on easy street before David Gold’s late effort.
Dons boss Derek McInnes, who refused to discuss his player’s red card, said: “We have to be pleased with the way we went about our business.
“We’ll have a big step-up on Thursday. Maribor are a quality side but we have reached this stage three years in a row after putting out the seeded side so we have to go into it with belief.”
Aberdeen brought a strong
squad to Gayfield Park and it was goal-hungry Stockley who almost scored first after he raced on to Scott Wright’s through ball to shoot wide from 15 yards.
Storey was next to threaten after Pawlett set him up to curl an effort towards the far post, only for Ricky Gomes to deny him.
At the other end Scott fired just over Neil Alexander’s bar.
But the breakthrough came in 30 minutes as Wes Burns’ cross was sclaffed by Arbroath defender Michael Dunlop straight to a waiting Pawlett to score.
It was 2- 0 four minutes later as Burns slipped in Stockley to blast in off Gomes from 15 yards.
The Canadian keeper then had to produce a heroic save to turn over a point-blank Wright effort but he could do nothing to stop Aberdeen’s third on the stroke of half-time. Burns and Storey both combined to set up Stockley who slotted the ball into the net.
The second half was very much a non- event aside from a debut for Dons trialist sub Khalid Aucho and the red card flashpoint.
Scott and Pawlett clashed on the far touchline with both men raising their hands and the Arbroath midfielder appearing to strike a blow to the Dons star.
The f lashpoint sparked an 18-man melee and left ref Craig Charleston with no option but to reduce both sides to 10 men.
Storey slotted home Wright’s cutback to make it 4- 0 before David Gold’s consolation effort.
Arbroath gaffer Dick Campbell said: “I’m never going to judge my players on what they do against a side of Aberdeen’s quality.
“But I am disappointed that we got another player sent off.
“We lost Ricky Little to a red card against Dunfermline and Martin today.
“They are suspended for two games and a team like Arbroath can’t afford that.”