Dons edge through in Moldova

Aberdeen recorded a narrow first-leg victory

Nistru Otaci 0-0 Aberdeen (Aggregate: 0-1)

Aberdeen survived a testing challenge in Moldova to qualify for the first round of the Uefa Cup.

The Scots had to endure some nervous moments in the closing minutes against Nistru Otaci in Chisinau.

But they progressed thanks to the single goal scored by Darren Mackie at Pittodrie a fortnight ago in the first leg of the qualifying-round tie.

Belgian midfielder Roberto Bisconti returned to the Dons line-up after missing the weekend defeat by Rangers through injury.

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Ben Thornley missed the trip, while Mackie was left on the bench after suffering a knock against Rangers.

The Dons weathered the early storm at the National Stadium, the tie having been moved to the Moldovan capital from Otaci because Nistru's home ground did not meet Uefa requirements.

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Nistru went close to opening the scoring after 15 minutes.

Striker Serhiy Yanchuk found himself in space, but his shot was saved by Peter Kjaer.

Aberdeen were able to impose themselves on the game the more the half drew on.

Their first real threat came in the 35th minute, when Derek Young cracked a 25-yard effort goalwards, only to see it saved by Serghei Dinov.

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The Scottish side continued to press and almost broke the deadlock 10 minutes later when Darren Young had a shot turned over the bar by the goalkeeper.

Nistru were firmly on the backfoot and Derek Young saw another shot sail wide in stoppage time as the Dons pressed for the opening goal that would surely kill the tie.

Aberdeen brought on Mackie for Fergus Tiernan at half time and remained in control until midway through the second half.

But Nistru started to exert some pressure and almost took the lead on three occasions.

Yanchuc, who missed a great opportunity to give his side an away goal at Pittodrie, sent in a speculative drive that was fumbled by Peter Kjaer.

The goalkeeper recovered in time to grab the ball on the goal-line and prevent a disastrous equaliser.

Substitute Pogreban and Lupasco also sent in drives that Kjaer had to save under the crossbar.

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Nistru Otaci: Dinov, Lupasco, Lascenov, Kovalkov, Pidhayetskyy, Bursuc, Popescu, Kopystanskyy, Groshev, Yanchuc, Blajco. Subs: Mura, Tcaciuc, Starovyk, Matiura, Pogreban, Malitskyy, Mincev.

Aberdeen: Kjaer, Deloumeaux, McAllister, Anderson, McGuire, Darren Young, Derek Young, McNaughton, Tiernan, Bisconti, D'Jaffo. Subs: Preece, Mike, Mackie, O'Donoghue, Michie, Payne, Clark.

Referee: M Culcu (Turkey).