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.''
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