Werder Bremen 1 - 0 Aberdeen: Encouraging display by Dons marred by gift goal

The Pittodrie side, who kick off at Parkhead against Celtic, matched the big-spending German side for much of the game in Oldenburg and only a mistake by midfielder Stephen Hughes cost the Dons the only goal of the game.

Aberdeen twice went close through new signing Jonny Hayes, with trialist Gary Naysmith also looking good.

Said Brown: “We coped fairly well apart from one slip in concentration which cost us the game. I was speaking to their manager and he has had seven million euros to spend this summer and he had eight internationals in his line-up.

“So I have got to be pleased with the performance. We gave them a little bit too much respect at first but soon realised they are only human. I said to our more experienced guys they were a bit negative and to be more positive, and they did that in the second half in particular.

“Jason Brown never had to make any spectacular saves and their manager was very complimentary. I think it will be a similar game at Parkhead next week.”

Scott Vernon reckons he could bag 20 goals if the Dons continue to improve. He said: “This is a stronger squad than last season. The new additions are going to help us in terms of the style of football we want to play so hopefully Niall [McGinn] and Jonny can do the job for us.

“I’d love for this to be the season I get 20 goals. I welcome the new additions as they are guys who can get on the ball and create chances for me and hopefully I will be in among the goals. The 20 goal thing is something which comes up every year and the manager always makes sure he mentions it to me. It’s nice to know he he has faith in me and I believe I can do it.”

Brown’s side started quite well, with a Hayes shot slipping wide and two long-range efforts which were just past the post.

But the Germans took control and were gifted their 24th minute winner when Hughes was short with a passback to goalkeeper Jason Brown. Dutch international Eljero Elia easily slipped the ball into the net.

McGinn, was close to an equaliser when he flipped a free kick just wide, but the Dons could be happy with their night’s work.