Former Dundee See P56.

Mackay-Steven opener cancelled out by Vokes in stirring Pittodrie clash

United winger Gary Mackay-Steven gives Aberdeen the lead in their Europa League second qualifying round clash with Premier League Burnley at Pittodrie last night. The game finished 1-1 with the Clarets drawing level in the second half.

Aberdeen were unable to hold out for the victory but they will head to Turf Moor next week with a genuine chance of claiming a major Europa League scalp after a hugely impressive display against Burnley last night.

The Clarets’ first match in Europe for 51 years did not get off to the smoothest of starts after their trip north was delayed due to a technical problem with their charter plane – and they encountered plenty of turbulence during a stirring 90 minutes in front of 20,313 fans at Pittodrie.

The Reds, far from being intimidated by one of England’s leading sides, played at a relentless tempo and got their reward after 18 minutes when Gary MackaySteven netted from the spot after James Tarkowski fouled Sam Cosgrove.

Aided by an excellent performance by Scott McKenna, the Dons’ defence held firm until Clarets substitute Sam Vokes pounced 10 minutes from time to leave the tie finely poised going into the second leg.

Adam Rooney’s recent transfer from the Dons to English fifth tier side Salford City may have raised eyebrows south of the border but the Dons delivered a timely shot in the arm for the Scottish game with a spirited showing.

Burnley were the 12th side the Dons have faced in the Europa League during Derek McInnes’s time at Pittodrie and the Aberdeen manager believed this was the toughest challenge so far.

The Clarets started as overwhelming favourites to progress, no surprise given the vast gulf in resources.

Sean Dyche spent £15 million on record-signing Chris Wood, while £400,000 to recruit Stevie May from Preston remains the most McInnes has splashed out during his spell in charge.

The Dons supporters, who paid tribute to Neale Cooper with a display in honour of the Gothenburg Great, helped create a cracking atmosphere inside Pittodrie but they knew they were going to have to be patient with the Burnley starting 11 containing eight internationals.

The Dons refused to let Burnley settle into the game and created the first chance, with Niall McGinn sending a tantalising pass across goal.

Aberdeen looked in no way daunted by the team that finished seventh in the English Premier League, with Sam Cosgrove clattering into Burnley keeper Nick Pope as he tried to reach another inviting McGinn delivery.

England international Pope was unable to continue, with his deputy Anders Lindegaard introduced with only 14 minutes on the clock. His first action was to pick the ball out of the net.

Cosgrove was giving the Burnley rearguard a torrid time and when James Tarkowski raised an arm while trying to prevent the former Carlisle United player reaching a Mackay-Steven cross, German referee Daniel Siebert swiftly pointed to the spot.

Pittodrie held its collective breath before erupting as Mackay-Steven calmly converted from 12 yards.

Burnley struggled to muster a response against the resolute Reds, while the hosts looked threatening whenever McGinn and Mackay-Steven gained possession.

Burnley stepped up a gear after the interval and almost levelled within seven minutes but Joe Lewis was alert to keep out Jack Cork’s header before diverting an Aaron Lennon attempt to safety.

The Dons almost capitalised with a swift counter at the other end, with Mackay-Steven feeding Cosgrove but his low drive was well held by Lindegaard.

Not content to sit back on a one-goal lead, the Dons almost doubled their tally with Cosgrove flicking a McGinn cross to Mackay-Steven, whose header was clawed away by Lindegaard.

Johann Berg Gudmundsson hooked over before McGinn drilled wide as both teams pressed for the pivotal next goal. It went Burnley’s way with 10 minutes to go.

The Dons defence, beginning to tire, afforded Vokes too much room to control the ball in a packed penalty area and volley home into the roof of the net.

Attendance – 20,313

Aberdeen: Lewis, Logan, Shinnie, McKenna, McGinn (Wright 79), MackaySteven, Cosgrove (May 76), Devlin, Ferguson (Gleeson 56), Ball, Hoban. Subs not used: Cerny, Forrester, Campbell, Anderson.

Burnley: Pope (Lindegaard 14), Lowton, Cork, Tarkowski, Mee, Gudmundsson, Wood, Hendrick (Vokes 67), Westwood, Ward, Lennon. Subs not used: Taylor, Walters, Wells, Bardsley, Long.

Referee: D Siebert (Germany).

Getty.