Vitesse Arnhem 0 - 1 Aberdeen

Aberdeen recorded their best result of the pre-season campaign so far with a 1-0 victory over Dutch top tier side Vitesse Arnhem. After a fairly quiet first half, where the Dons were second best for spells, they improved significantly after the break and Andrew Considine scored the winner, finishing off a well worked move after 70 minutes, to give his side a very encouraging win with the SPL kick-off just over a week a way.

Playing 4-4-2, Bossu was in goal with a back four of Mair at right back, Severin, Davids - a late replacement for Mulgrew who was ill - and Considine moving to left back. Across the middle were de Visscher, Duff, replacing the injured Kerr, McDonald and Jamie Smith, Mackie and Miller completing the side up front.

Richard Foster was ruled out of the game with injury, and there was more bad news on that front when Davids was replaced by Stuart Smith after just 14 minutes, thereby missing the chance to impress the Aberdeen coaching staff.

The first half was typical pre-season fare, the pace slow with little real action of note, certainly from a Dons perspective. There were few chances at either end but the home side did have the best of it, Bossu making two fine saves, the best in the 24^th minute from point blank range, somehow turning a header over the bar.

The Dons fans who had made the trip had to wait until the 44thminute to see an Aberdeen shot on goal. Mackie, looking lively, striking a shot that was comfortably saved. That said, while the Reds had few chances, it was encouraging to see they were looking more secure at the back than in previous games.

Jimmy, who once again will have had words at half time, made his first voluntary change on 51 minutes as Chris Maguire came on to replace Darren Mackie. A physical game became a little more aggressive yet on the hour when Molhoek and Stuart Smith were booked for a flare up, then namesake Jamie also went into the referee's book on 63 minutes, although the official was a little card happy for a friendly.

Shortly afterwards, Aberdeen took the lead from a well worked move. A de Visscher free kick was initially cleared but Maguire picked it up on the right, steadied himself and floated a great ball to the back post. McDonald headed it back across goal, Miller produced a very clever little flick on and Considine with his side footed it home with his left foot.

Trialist Dyron Camero got a chance to show what he could when he replaced Stuart Duff after 74 minutes, before Lee Mair became the next Aberdeen player to be booked. For the final five minutes Pawlett and Paton came on for de Visscher and Miller.

The second half was an excellent performance that bodes well for the coming season. The Dons kept the ball well and restricted Vitesse to few chances, manager Jimmy Calderwood clearly delighted with the win after the game. You will be able to hear him on RedTV shortly.