The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Wilson shows class early as Dons win
Aberdeen beat Motherwell
James Wilson showed some of the class that saw him touted as one of England’s most prodigious talents as Aberdeen picked up their second league win of the season against Motherwell.
His finish six minutes into the game lifted the mood around the Granite City despite an otherwise forgettable game with the Steelmen bringing little to the contest and the hosts missing a couple of opportunities to add to their lead.
A natural finisher has been sorely lacking for the Dons since Adam Rooney’s departure so a sense of excitement and expectation surrounded Wilson’s first start.
It was not a singletack approach with Sam Cosgrove called upon to partner Wilson. Cosgrove has spent much of his time at Pittodrie operating as a lone striker and has not looked like a regular goalscorer. However, his hold-up play is seen as an asset and he showed glimpses of his work in a pair alongside Bruce Anderson at McDiarmid Park the previous week, giving hope he could build a similar rapport with Wilson.
McInnes could scarcely have hoped for a better impact from Wilson as he took just six minutes to register his first Aberdeen goal. Niall McGinn took possession 35 yards from goal and slid in Wilson against Tom Aldred with the 22-year-old holding off the defender and angling a shot across Trevor Carson into the far corner.
He often played higher up the pitch than Cosgrove, ready for flick-ons and through balls, and looked to drive forward when he got the ball into feet. They certainly were not starved of service against a Well team playing their traditional 3-5-2, with the Dons’ extra width affording them avenues to attack down the flanks. Gary Mackay-Steven and Shay Logan were having plenty of joy down the right, pinning in wing-back Richard Tait.
Cosgrove played well with his back to goal when he was laying off
to advancing red shirts, however when the onus was on him to play a killer pass or drive into opposing territory, he did not look comfortable in the same way Wilson does. The burly Yorkshireman had one first-half header off target in his most meaningful contribution.
The second half meandered on the same pattern the first half finished with the ball spending more time pinging between the opposing defenders than in any threatening areas. The one saving grace was the performance of Mackay-Steven, who showed a purpose and flair when he got the
ball, constantly looking to beat his man down the flank. He looks to have recaptured the form that made him one of Scotland’s hottest prospects.
Wilson was substituted just after the hour to a hearty reception from the Pittodrie faithful, who showed an appreciation
for the striker’s input on what was his first competitive start in six months.
He will take time to hit his stride and hopefully luck will allow him an injury-free run.
The win, meanwhile, will raise spirits a little ahead of tomorrow night’s pivotal Betfred Cup tie against Hibs.
ABERDEEN (4-4-2) – Lewis 6, Logan 6, Devlin 7, McKenna 6, Considine 6, McGinn 6 (Campbell 82), Ball 6, Shinnie 6, Mackay Steven 7, Cosgrove 6 (Lowe 87), Wilson 7 (Anderson 63). Subs not used – Cerny, Forrester, Gleeson, May. MOTHERWELL (3-5-2) – Carson 6; Aldred 6,
Hartley 5 (Turnbull 56), McHugh 6, Donnelly 5 (Cadden 46), Campbell 6, Bigirimana 6, Frear 6, Tait 5, Johnson 5, Sammon 5 (Bowman 53). Subs not used – Gillespie, Grimshaw, Maguire, Taylor-Sinclair. Referee – Nick Walsh 6 Attendance – 14,027 Man of the match – Gary Mackay-Steven