Grey Game In The Granite City - Aberdeen vs. St Johnstone

Great artwork on the stairs in The Richard Donald Stand

As I mentioned in the Hibs Ladies post, the whole point of this trip was a trip to Pittodrie to see Aberdeen before they move to their new ground. So the next leg of the trip saw me make the hour or so ride on the train up to Aberdeen from Arbroath. Similar to the previous night's match it saw in fourth hosting a team at the bottom of the table and having won their previous two home league games they were fairly confident. Another draw to Aberdeen was to see how ex-Scunthorpe player Funso Ojo was getting on, he had started every game this season other than the very first Europa League ties.

Kick off at height at Pittodrie

The headline shows how the game panned out, it was pretty low quality. The first chance of note comes as an Aberdeen header thunders against the post before St Johnstone lose the ball in midfield which ultimately leads to Aberdeen taking the lead. Just before half time, St Johnstone equalise when the Aberdeen keeper lets a bobbling shot go under him. In the second the away side are awarded a penalty after a coming together only for the referee to change his mind after consulting with his linesman. At the very end, the St Johnstone keeper makes a great save from a kick and both sides earn a point.

Main stand at Pittodrie

The only reasonable way to get to Aberdeen from London is take a flight from Heathrow and then taking the 727 from right outside the terminal to the city centre. Pittodrie is then a twenty minute or so walk away. There are a serious amount of fantastic pubs in Aberdeen. In the town there are two Brewdogs as well as the brewery tap of Fierce Brewing  which is brewed in the town. Other great places include Krakatoa, CASC and The Prince of Wales which all offer extensive choice of beers from Scotland and further afield. A short walk from the ground is the brilliant Pittodrie Bar which has the sports channels and a great atmosphere. Pittodrie itself really didn't disappoint and I'd recommend visiting and spending some time exploring the city. And so ends my Scottish tour, next stop Poland and then return to Belfast! 

Another reason to visit - a top quality programme

The South Stand - note the falconer on the roof