Fallon banks on off-field bonds to forge successful strike partnership

Rory Fallon believes his off-field relationship with strike partner Scott Vernon will be crucial as they forge an understanding on the pitch.

The pair linked up well as Aberdeen put a barren start to the campaign behind them with a 4-0 victory over Dunfermline before the international break.

Aberdeen had failed to score in seven out of nine Clydesdale Bank Premier League matches before Vernon’s hat-trick helped them to a convincing Pittodrie win over the Pars.

Vernon and Fallon have shown signs they could be an imposing test for SPL defences and the New Zealand international feels they are bonding well. Former Plymouth striker Fallon, whose goal in the cup defeat by East Fife is his only strike in four matches since leaving Yeovil in August, said: “He’s a good player and there are certain things that he already knows, like the secret shouts I say on the field. As soon as I say them he knows exactly what he needs to do and vice versa. It helps that we get on as well in the changing room.

“With strike partners, it’s totally different to anyone else on the field because, if you two aren’t gelling, it’s just not going to happen.”

Fallon believes the general rapport between the players can also help them climb up the table as they prepare to face Dundee United at Pittodrie.

“I think the lads are a good bunch first and foremost,” the 29-year-old said. “Everyone respects each other. You’ve got a couple of mad lads like Josh [Magennis]. He’s like the energiser bunny, he never stops. Sometimes I wish he did have batteries so I could take them out and have ten minutes’ rest. You have quiet lads, but everyone is respectful of each other.

“It was quite tough at the start because everyone was uncertain with the results but, after that win, it just feels that everyone is themselves. Prior to that I felt there was a bit of fear in our play, as a team and individually. I felt the shackles came off that night and the boys came out and played. It helps to get an early goal because that settles you down.

“Not every game will be like that because sometimes you have to win ugly and grind out 1-0 wins.”

Meanwhile, Dundee United boss Peter Houston wants his players to give their fans something to shout about at Pittodrie. The Tannadice supporters were left frustrated following their defeat to Motherwell before the SPL broke up for Scotland’s double-header against Liechtenstein and Spain.

United’s players did not get any time off during the international break so have been training hard in a bid to bounce back against Craig Brown’s side.

Houston’s men have made a habit of quickly getting over disappointing results in the past, so with the north-east derby looming, he reckons they can do it again this weekend.

“We always take a very good support up to Pittodrie and I would expect this weekend will be no different,” Houston said. “It is a north-east derby and it’s one the supporters always look forward to. Our record up there in recent years is pretty decent so hopefully we will be able to give them more to shout about.”