The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
DONS WIN ROLLERCOASTER CUP TIE IN FRANTIC FINISH
AFC: McInnes hails veteran’ s match-winning cup display
Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes hailed his very own Ryan Giggs after watching Andy Considine become the unlikely matchwinner at the end of an incredible Scottish Cup tie at Kilmarnock.
Considine scored to make it 1-1 with two minutes remaining to force extra time at Rugby Park and then set off on a rampaging run down the left wing before crossing in stoppage time of extratime where the unfortunate Connor Johnson put the ball into his own net to give the Dons a stunning 4-3 win.
It was an incredible end to a game which will live long in the memory as the Dons booked a quarterfinal trip to St Mirren on Saturday February 29 and McInnes was quick to hail his veteran full-back’s contribution.
He said: “Just as we are deciding on our five penalty takers Andy decides to turn into Ryan Giggs down the left wing. He put the ball in, their defender couldn’t sort his feet out and it’s a big break for us.
“I asked Andy to play as a wing-back on Sunday against James Forrest. I joked with him the older he gets the more I ask of him. He kept Forrest quiet.
“He has come up with big moments in the past but none more welcome than tonight.”
McInnes added: “Some of the young boys might think opportunities to get to a final come around all the time – they don’t.
“Andy knows time is against him and he is doing everything to make sure he gets there. If anyone deserves it, he does.”
The joyous scenes among the management, players and supporters were equally pleasing for the Dons boss and he hopes the sense of pride and unity among all parties can galvanise the club in the attempt to finish third and win the cup.
McInnes said: “It was no more than we deserve. I saw the travelling supporters celebrate with the players – we’ve needed that connection and it’s like we’ve now lit a fire under our season.
“We’ve scored plenty of goals and its getting back to the standard I expect.
“It’s such an important and brilliant night for us. It was harsh on Kilmarnock – they’re a good team with know-how and experience – but hopefully the narrative will be about how resilient we were.
“I’m proud of the players. They never gave up. There are different ways to win it – tactically, big moments individually or you can do it with guts and a refusal to not let the game go our way.”