1860 Munich 1 - 0 Aberdeen

Published on Saturday 18 July 2009 19:39

Holebas 44

A GOAL from midfielder Jose Holebas a minute before the half time was sufficient to start the Mark McGhee era as Aberdeen manager with a defeat.

However the man who replaced Jimmy Calderwood in the post last month will have plenty of positives to ponder with his first competitive match last than a fortnight away.

That will also be against continental opposition when Aberdeen host either Fram Reykjavik or Sigma Olomouc at Pittodrie in the third qualifying round of the Europa League.

Their last involvement in the now defunct UEFA Cup was against Bayern Munich in a packed Allianz Stadium that also hosts yesterday's opponents.

This clash could not have offered a more stark contrast though, played as it was in the Austrian village of Bad Wimsbach with a sedate feel to the game that matched the surroundings.

Chances were few and far between but for long spells Aberdeen were, in terms of technique and defensive organisation, the equal of their German second division opponents who drew with Manchester City last week.

The only goal came when Holebas latched on to a ball that broke to him just inside the area before guiding it past Jamie Langfield.

McGhee started with the most experienced players available and introduced trialist Reda Johnson, amongst others, as the workout progressed.

Johnson did his chances of a move no harm and McGhee has confirmed that his French third division club, Ameins, have agreed to allow the player to move to Pittodrie on a season-long loan.

Originally it was thought they would demand compensation for the 21-year-old Benin international.

Aberdeen starting XI: Langfield; Foster, Diamond, Considine, Mulgrew; McDonald, Kerr, Duff; McGuire, Miller, Aluko