ABERDEEN, aggrieved at faltering at such a crucial stage in the league

championship against Dundee, are determined to ensure there is no repeat

of last season's first-round exit from the Scottish Cup.

Pittodrie was a sombre place yesterday as they reflected on the

set-back and Hamilton Accies, the B & Q Cup holders, can expect a

backlash when they visit the North East on Saturday.

Manager Willie Miller, whose options could be widened by the return of

striker Mixu Paatelainen and defender Stephen Wright for the tie,

revealed yesterday: ''The players' pride has been hurt and they feel

they let themselves down with that performance. There are one or two

very angry players around the club right now.

''They are also disappointed because they know they did not play as

well as they should have. But there will be no title predictions from me

-- I will leave that to other managers.

''We do not look at what is going on around us. We look within to make

sure we regain standards, compete in every game, and keep our unbeaten

run going.

''Teams will suffer because of the nature of our packed, domestic

programme. When that happens you need luck or inspiration to carry you

through because it is impossible to go through a season playing well.''

The Scottish Cup offers Aberdeen their most realistic chance of

success in a season in which they have, once more, emerged as a major

force. The memories of their defeat by Rangers last term. following on

failures in the Skol Cup against Airdrie and the UEFA Cup against BK

1903 Copenhagen at the first hurdle, will fuel their desire to atone.

Typically, Miller refuses to look beyond the Pittodrie tie with the

first division promotion challengers. ''It is too early to talk about

another final,'' he said. ''It's a long and rocky road to get there. The

important game for us now is this next one.''

Paatelainen, out with a foot injury sustained in Finland's World Cup

qualifying tie with France in November, will make his comeback against

Dundee in a reserve match at Dens Park this afternoon. So, too, will

Wright.

* HAMILTON are alerting their supporters that their home game tomorrow

night against Meadowbank is on even though the club flag will not be

flying.

Recent strong winds blew the flag away and broke the rope on the flag

pole.

Secretary Scott Struthers said: ''Some people reckon the game is off

if they cannot see the flag flying.''