Duncan Shearer: Scottish Cup win must be a step in right direction for Aberdeen.
There were hints of improvement in the Dons’ performance against Dunfermline, but can Jimmy Thelin’s club recapture its early-season consistency?
Time will tell if Aberdeen has put their disastrous run behind them, but there is no question Sunday was a significant step in the right way for the Dons.
There was intense pressure on Dons manager Jimmy Thelin and his team when they welcomed Dunfermline to Pittodrie for their Scottish Cup fixture, and there were several reasons for the Pars to feel enthusiastic about delivering a cup upset.
They were up against a squad that had not won in 14 league games, was failing to keep a clean sheet, had little goal threat, and appeared to be lacking confidence.
When the draw was made, Aberdeen’s recent run after returning from the international break in November was viewed as a possible banana peel.
There’s a reason the game was televised: broadcasters were looking for an upset.
The Dons won 3-0 and the players, manager, and supporters were all smiling after the game.
It’s been way too long since we’ve seen that from anyone at Pittodrie.
Plenty of positives from Pittodrie’s performance.
The Dons were also deserved victors, and Thelin had lots of encouraging takeaways from his team’s performance.
A rare clean sheet, a great start from new recruit Mats Knoester, an impressive effort completed by Alexander Jensen’s first goal, and three goals in all rounded off a very successful day for the Dons.
The manager also made lineup changes for the game, dropping skipper Graeme Shinnie and vice-captain Nicky Devlin to the bench.
It not only underlined the heightened competition for spots in the team, but the fact that those that played did so well suggests that those who sat on the bench may have to wait their turn to return.
Gueye gets back to his best.
It took him a few weeks to get back on track, but I believed Pape Habib Gueye looked more like the player who was so good at the start of the season before his injury.
He is awkward for opponents, deceptively swift, excellent in the air, and selfless, as seen by teeing up Kevin Nisbet when he might have taken a shot at himself. They are excellent attributes that any manager would look for in a player.
Speaking of Nisbet, I doubt anybody was happier at the conclusion of the game than Millwall’s on-loan striker.
If he hadn’t scored, his missed opportunity from Gueye’s set-up would have weighed heavily on him. I still can’t believe the ball did not go in. He did everything well by lifting the ball over Dunfermline goalkeeper Topi Oluwayemi, who had fallen to the ground, only for the shot to strike the post. The expression of dread on Nisbet’s face told all.
How happy he must have been to get the opportunity to redeem himself with a tap-in after a wonderful run and cross from substitute Shayden Morris.
Clubs will be dreaming of Scottish Cup success following Rangers’ departure.
The most important thing, however, was reaching the Scottish Cup’s final eight, and every team will be hoping for a chance now that one of the big two has been eliminated.
I doubt anyone anticipated the shock of the weekend to occur at Ibrox – but it simply goes to demonstrate how unpredictable cup football is.
The shock in Govan following Rangers’ 1-0 defeat by Queen’s Park will be seismic, but for the other seven clubs remaining in the tournament, with just Celtic to worry about, they will all be dreaming that this is their year.
A chance has arisen for one team to have a spectacular season, and it will be intriguing to watch if any of them can seize it.
Can County profit on Motherwell’s uncertainty?
Ross County will return to league play against Motherwell on Saturday, with the opportunity to restart their season.
Don Cowie and his players have had some time to reflect on their 4-0 setback to Rangers at Ibrox on February 2, and I am confident they will be trying to rebound at Fir Park.
A journey to the Steelmen is never easy, but Stuart Kettlewell’s departure has increased my interest in this game.
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