Anthony Stewart's attempts to temper expectations rather than shouting from the rooftops about Aberdeen ’s win over St Mirren was admirable.
But the Dons defender is well aware the manner of this success, even in mitigation of the 10-man Buddies, is now a benchmark for the Red Army. Four goals, a display of style, substance and attacking flair and the first three points of the season delivered a rare full-time feeling of euphoria for the so-often beleaguered supporters.
All over the pitch there were positives for everyone of a Dons persuasion, none more so than a debut from Liverpool starlet Leighton Clarkson having signed on loan hours earlier. A stunning goal oozed quality and an ability on the ball that caught the eye all afternoon and Stewart admits the quiet man of his dressing room almost slipped into the squad unnoticed.
He also insists his fellow Englishman’s actions spoke louder than his attempt to join in the pre-match singalong. Stewart said: “He was quite quiet in the dressing room, I didn’t hear too much from him but he was singing along to a few songs. Then he came on, put on that display and scored such a good goal. I’m looking forward to seeing what else he can do in the coming weeks.
“It was funny because I didn’t know he had signed until 11.30am on Saturday. I haven’t trained with him but fair play to him putting on a performance like that. I just heard he’d played in the Champions League so he is definitely a prospect for the future. Hopefully he can come here and express himself.
“It would be tough to come into a new bunch but he is coming from Liverpool. That standard has to be there for him to be at Liverpool. I don’t doubt his quality, I just hope he can express it more often than not.
“Everyone has their own way of doing it and if he wants to be quiet that is fine. He wasn’t quiet when he was showing for the ball. He wanted to get on the ball and create things. I’m happy as long as he continues doing that.”
Clarkson’s arrival in the 12th minute was the result of ligament damage sustained by Hayden Coulson after being clattered by Declan Gallagher which brought the ex-Don a booking.
It would prove a pivotal moment as the St Mirren defender used an arm to block a Liam Scales shot in the 26th minute. His next card was red and Bojan Miovski blasted home the penalty. The striker would add another by showing predatory instincts by sliding into divert a Jonny Hayes cross into the net with Buddies keeper Trevor Carson indecisive as he attempted to gather.
Two became three seconds before the break as Clarkson thundered a 25-yarder into the top corner and the strike underpinned the playmaker’s confidence and growing influence. Alan Muir pointed to the spot moments after the break after Hayes impeded Greg Kiltie and Jonah Ayunga slotted in the penalty to reduce the deficit. Stephen Robinson ’s side didn’t capitulate as they attempted a comeback before new man Luis Lopes finished a sweeping move with a cute lobbed finish just moments before the final whistle.
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