Wilson climbs off bench to inspire Aberdeen to victory

Posted Sunday, December 30, 2018 by PA

James Wilson came off the bench to inspire Aberdeen to a 2-1 triumph as Derek McInnes’ men became just the second side to defeat Livingston at the Tony Macaroni Arena this season.

The on-loan Manchester United man turned home a wayward Stephen Gleeson shot from close range for his third goal for the Dons, finally breaking down the Lions’ stubborn resistance after 71 minutes following a host of missed opportunities.

With Livi pushing for a leveller, Wilson then spearheaded a slick counter-attack by producing a dazzling 60-yard solo run and delivery across the face of goal.

With lots of players attempting to reach the ball Alan Lithgow appeared to get the final touch, prodding into his own net.

Livingston ensured a nervous finale when Scott Pitmann scrambled the ball over the line from close range but the Reds held firm for three points.

Aberdeen, aiming to bounce back from their Boxing Day defeat against Celtic, were on the front foot from the early exchanges, with Stevie May curling a superb dipping drive narrowly over the bar, before a sensational block by Craig Halkett was required to stop an effort from the Scotland forward.

Aberdeen were indebted to their own keeper, Joe Lewis, for a stunning save to deny the hosts the lead.

Halkett met a wonderful inswinging free-kick from Steven Lawless, only to see his powerful header blocked by the towering Englishman.

The travelling supporters turned their ire on referee Steven McLean as half-time approached.

Bruce Anderson was nudged in the back by Liam Kelly as the pair raced to meet a Graeme Shinnie pass before, moments later, the young striker fell to the turf claiming to have been struck by a flailing arm from Lawless but the man in black was unmoved by both incidents.

The second half started in similar manner to the first, with the Dons in the ascendancy. May, a threat throughout, did well to meet an inviting Connor McLennan delivery but fizzed his first-time drive inches wide.

May’s one man mission to break the deadlock continued when he latched onto a fine through ball from James Wilson, only to fire a wild effort off target.

Aberdeen finally claimed a deserved lead when Wilson showed his predatory instincts from close range.

Wilson, underwhelming for the Pittodrie outfit to date, showcased the undoubted potential he has by helping the Dons double their advantage, dribbling from his own box before his tempting cross forced Lithgow to turn into his own net.

There was a glimmer of hope for the Lions in the dying moments when Ryan Hardie flicked an effort towards goal and, although initially stopped on the line, Pittman managed to force the ball in.