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Aberdeen FC Women gallery: 50 of the best pictures from the team’s first game at Pittodrie

By Danny Law

March 24 2022, 11:45 am

The crowds showed up to show their support to Aberdeen FC Women.

It was a historic night at Pittodrie as Aberdeen FC Women took to the Pittodrie pitch for the first time.

Emma Hunter and Gavin Beith’s side have played their home games at Cove Rangers’ Balmoral Stadium this season.

But Wednesday’s meeting with SWPL 1 title challengers Rangers was an opportunity for the Dons Women to play at Pittodrie for the first time.

Having lost 8-0 against the Gers when the sides met in October, the odds were stacked against a home win.

But the Reds – cheered on by a crowd of 1,894 – produced an impressive display and held Rangers at bay until goals from Kirsty Howat and Kayla McCoy gave the visitors the victory.

A record crowd

This was the biggest crowd for a home match involving Aberdeen FC Women and may be the start of the Dons side playing at Pittodrie on a more regular basis.

The Dons fans make their way through the turnstiles.

Come on you Reds – fans filter into Pittodrie for the big match.

Some early fans enjoy a front row taste of the action.

The crowd take in the action as Aberdeen Women play at Pittodrie for the first time.

Aberdeen manager Jim Goodwin was in attendance for the SWPL 1 encounter.

The young fans soaked up the atmosphere.

There were plenty of youngsters at Pittodrie to cheer on the Dons.

The

Some young Aberdeen fans enjoy the match.

Warming up

Aberdeen went into the match on the back of successive 2-1 victories against Partick Thistle and Hamilton Accies.

But Rangers look like the team to beat in SWPL 1 this season and the Gers had won their previous meetings against the Dons this season 5-2 and 8-0.

Aberdeen Women’s Hannah Stewart warms up before the match.

Aberdeen defender Jess Broadrick looking ready for the contest.

Aberdeen co-manager Emma Hunter gets her side prepared for the big match.

Natasha Bruce leads the way in a passing drill.

An impressive display

Aberdeen were made to work hard defensively but they held their own and went into the break level with the score 0-0.

Aberdeen’s top scorer Bayley Hutchison drives forward.

It was a great turnout for Aberdeen Women’s Pittodrie bow.

Aberdeen’s Jessica Broadrick takes on Rangers’ Brogan Hay.

Louise Brown at the heart of the action for Aberdeen Women.

Scotland international Nicola Docherty on the ball for Rangers with Aberdeen’s Bailley Collins in close pursuit.

No quarter given as Aberdeen Women’s Chloe Gover and Brogan Hay of Rangers battle for the ball.

Aberdeen Women’s Bayley Hutchison dribbles clear.

Aberdeen Women goalkeeper Aaliyah-Jay Meach (25) at full stretch.

Aberdeen Women’s Louise Brown (23) and Tessel Middag (6) of Rangers in an aerial contest.

Aberdeen Women co-managers Gavin Beith and Emma Hunter.

The goals

But Aberdeen were unable to hold out and the Rangers pressure eventually told with Kirsty Howat giving Rangers the lead with a close range effort just after the hour mark, before Kayla McCoy netted their second 15 minutes later.

Rangers opened the scoring through Kirsty Howat.

Kirsty Howat (21) of Rangers celebrates with her teammates.

Rangers celebrate Kayla McCoy’s goal to make it 2-0.

Kayla McCoy scored Rangers’ second goal at Pittodrie.

Post-match

Despite the result, this was a great night for Aberdeen Women as they put on a show in front of a record-breaking crowd at Pittodrie. They received a warm reception from the home support at full-time.

Aberdeen Women take the applause at full time.

Aberdeen Women’s Eilidh Shore high-fives some young Aberdeen fans.

A tough shift for the Aberdeen players but they pushed Rangers all the way.

The Aberdeen players leave the pitch after an impressive display.

Pictures by Kath Flannery and Stephen Dobson