Aberdeen 3-3 East Fife (3-4 pens)

East Fife goalkeeper Mark Ridgers saved three penalties in a shoot-out as Aberdeen were knocked out of the Scottish Communities League Cup.

Ryan Wallace's 31st minute opener for the visitors was cancelled out by a Rory McArdle header 10 minutes later.

Darren Mackie hit the Dons' second then Matthew Park levelled for East Fife.

Robert Sloan's strike looked to have won it for the Fifers but Rory Fallon's injury-time penalty for Aberdeen took the game into goalless extra-time.

The Dons, who have made a habit of exiting cup competitions to lower league sides in recent seasons, were 6-0 winners when the teams met in the Scottish Cup in January but this tie was very different.

The East Fife players mob keeper Mark Ridgers

The East Fife players mob their hero-keeper Mark Ridgers

The part-timers served the Dons a warning that an upset was on the cards when Wallace received Robert Ogleby's cross and smashed the ball high into the net just after the half-hour mark.

McArdle's header from a Ryan Jack free-kick five minutes before half-time and Mackie's goal two minutes after the break, the striker first to react when Ridgers palmed away a Scott Vernon shot, should have set the Dons on the road to victory.

But two goals in as many minutes from Park and Sloan gave John Robertson's side a 3-2 lead and they looked to be heading into the quarter-finals.

Park's goal was spectacular, a first-time effort from 25 yards that sailed straight into the top corner after 54 minutes, and the Fifers' third was the product of a pass by Wallace to play in the scorer Sloan for a cool finish.

But there was so much drama still to come.

Steven Hislop brought down Mohamed Chalali in the box deep into injury time and New Zealand striker Fallon took the game into extra time with his penalty goal.

When 30 minutes of extra time finished goalless, the match was decided by a penalty shoot-out and it was the Fifers who kept their nerve, with Aberdeen's Fallon, Josh Magennis and Chris Clark having their spot-kicks saved by the hero Ridgers.

East Fife manager John Robertson: "I have been lucky enough to be involved in a lot of giant killing acts in the past but that was sensational.

"I thought we played super stuff in the first half and what really delighted me was the quality of the goals. I thought all three goals were absolutely magnificent and well worked.

"Aberdeen's main weakness this season has been at the back and we knew our players could get forward and hurt them.

"We told them that they had nothing to fear. They were dropping like flies in extra time with cramp but they hung in there and in the end I don't think anybody would deny that we were worthy of our victory."

Aberdeen manager Craig Brown: "I would say that was arguably the worst result of my managerial career.

"We didn't play at all. I possibly made a mistake by changing the team too much and leaving out good players from the start thinking we had enough in reserve to cope with this fixture.

"I have never considered my own position at all and even after tonight I'm determined.

"If other people consider it there is nothing I can do about that - I just have to get on with my job conscientiously."

Lineup, Bookings (2) & Substitutions (6)

Aberdeen

  • 20 Gonzalez
  • 02 McArdle
  • 03 Foster
  • 06 Considine
  • 07 Clark
  • 11 Arnason
  • 15 Pawlett
  • 22 Jack (Chalali - 74' )
  • 09 Vernon (Osbourne - 64' )
  • 10 Mackie Booked (Fallon - 70' )
  • 21 Magennis

Substitutes

  • 32 Brown
  • 16 Osbourne
  • 14 Fallon
  • 18 Chalali
  • 23 Megginson

East Fife

  • 01 Ridgers
  • 02 Durie
  • 04 Campbell
  • 05 White (Hislop - 46' )
  • 06 Muir
  • 03 Park
  • 08 Smith
  • 11 Floan (Cook - 71' )
  • 07 Linn Booked
  • 09 Ogleby
  • 10 Wallace (Dalziel - 68' )

Substitutes

  • 21 Brown
  • 14 Murdoch
  • 15 Cook
  • 12 Hislop
  • 16 Dalziel
Ref: Mclean
Att: 3,964

Match Stats

Shots

25 7

On target

13 3

Corners

10 3

Fouls

17 10

Live Text Commentary

125:58

A save by Mark Ridgers from penalty by Chris Clark.

125:22 Penalty

Penalty scored by Matthew Park. Aberdeen 3-4 East Fife on penalties.

125:07 Penalty

Richard Foster scores a penalty. Aberdeen 3-3 East Fife on penalties.

124:31 Penalty

Steven Hislop scores a penalty. Aberdeen 2-3 East Fife on penalties.

124:09 Penalty

Penalty scored by Peter Pawlett. Aberdeen 2-2 East Fife on penalties.

123:43

Penalty taken by Robert Linn is saved by David Gonzalez.

123:07 Penalty

Penalty scored by Kari Arnason. Aberdeen 1-2 East Fife on penalties.

122:10

A save by David Gonzalez from penalty by Scott Dalziel.

121:35

A save by Mark Ridgers from penalty by Josh Magennis.

121:09 Penalty

Darren Smith scores a penalty. Aberdeen 0-2 East Fife on penalties.

120:35

Penalty taken by Rory Fallon is saved by Mark Ridgers.

120:01

All is set for the penalty shoot-out to start.

120:01 Penalty

Penalty scored by Robert Ogleby. Aberdeen 0-1 East Fife on penalties.

120:00 +0:25

The match is going to penalties.

117:22

Corner taken right-footed by Peter Pawlett from the right by-line, save made by Mark Ridgers.

116:12

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Steven Hislop by Rory Fallon. Steven Hislop takes the direct free kick, Kari Arnason takes a shot. Save by Mark Ridgers.

115:27

Corner taken by Peter Pawlett played to the near post, Andrew Cook makes a clearance.

111:53

The assistant referee flags for offside against Scott Dalziel. Andrew Considine takes the free kick.

111:28

The referee blows for offside against Mohamed Chalali. Mark Ridgers takes the free kick.

110:21

David Muir handles the ball and concedes a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Isaac Osbourne, The ball is sent over by Scott Dalziel.

108:58

Unfair challenge on Steven Campbell by Chris Clark results in a free kick. Mark Ridgers takes the direct free kick.

108:10

Josh Magennis takes a shot. Steven Campbell gets a block in.

107:04

Robert Linn takes a shot from a long way out clearing the bar.

105:01

The match restarts for the second half of extra time.

103:49

Peter Pawlett is caught offside. Mark Ridgers takes the free kick.

103:11

The ball is delivered by Scott Durie, Andrew Considine manages to make a clearance.

102:08

Shot by Scott Dalziel from 20 yards.

101:30

Mohamed Chalali takes a outswinging corner to the near post, Andrew Cook makes a clearance.

100:54

The ball is swung over by Chris Clark, Steven Campbell manages to make a clearance.

99:51

Kari Arnason challenges David Muir unfairly and gives away a free kick. Robert Linn delivers the ball from the free kick right-footed from right channel, David Gonzalez makes a comfortable save.

97:23

Scott Dalziel handles the ball and concedes a free kick. Free kick taken by Rory McArdle.

96:18

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Andrew Cook by Chris Clark. Matthew Park restarts play with the free kick.

94:56

The assistant referee signals for offside against Scott Dalziel. David Gonzalez takes the direct free kick.

94:28

Outswinging corner taken right-footed by Robert Linn from the right by-line, Rory Fallon manages to make a clearance.

92:19

The ball is sent over by Mohamed Chalali, Steven Campbell makes a clearance.

91:50

Chris Clark takes a shot. Mark Ridgers makes a save.

91:17

Chris Clark gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Andrew Cook. Mark Ridgers takes the free kick.

90:40

The offside flag is raised against Robert Ogleby. Direct free kick taken by David Gonzalez.

90:00 +5:48

The referee blows for the end of normal time.

90:00 +3:25

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Josh Magennis by Steven Campbell. Richard Foster delivers the ball from the free kick right-footed from right channel.

90:00 +2:40 Booking

Booking Robert Linn is cautioned.

90:00 +1:46 Goal scored

Goal - Rory Fallon - Aberdeen 3 - 3 East Fife Free kick scored by Rory Fallon from 12 yards. Aberdeen 3-3 East Fife.

90:00 +0:54

The ball is delivered by Richard Foster. Steven Campbell challenges Mohamed Chalali unfairly and gives away a free kick.

89:43

Isaac Osbourne gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Robert Linn. Steven Campbell restarts play with the free kick.

88:53

Mohamed Chalali has a headed effort at goal from close range which goes wide left of the target.

87:25

Mohamed Chalali takes a outswinging corner.

87:09

The ball is sent over by Richard Foster, Robert Linn manages to make a clearance.

86:22

Kari Arnason takes a shot from long range which goes wide of the right-hand post.

86:22

Kari Arnason produces a right-footed shot from long distance which goes wide right of the goal.

85:53

Chris Clark crosses the ball, Scott Durie makes a clearance.

84:23

Josh Magennis produces a right-footed shot from the edge of the area and misses to the left of the target.

82:43

Free kick awarded for a foul by Scott Dalziel on Rory McArdle. Rory McArdle takes the direct free kick.

82:12

Effort on goal by Josh Magennis from deep inside the penalty area misses to the right of the goal.

81:14

Chris Clark crosses the ball, Header from close range by Mohamed Chalali clears the bar.

78:39

The ball is crossed by Chris Clark, clearance made by Steven Campbell.

78:25

Peter Pawlett sends in a cross.

76:49

Andrew Considine fouled by Scott Dalziel, the ref awards a free kick. Rory McArdle takes the direct free kick.

75:16

Rory Fallon concedes a free kick for a foul on Scott Durie. Steven Campbell takes the direct free kick.

75:16

Rory Fallon concedes a free kick for a foul on Scott Durie. Direct free kick taken by Steven Campbell.

73:40 Substitution

Substitution (Aberdeen) makes a substitution, with Mohamed Chalali coming on for Ryan Jack.

72:58

Unfair challenge on David Muir by Isaac Osbourne results in a free kick. Steven Hislop takes the free kick.

72:44

Robert Linn gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Richard Foster. Andrew Considine takes the direct free kick.

70:36 Substitution

Substitution Andrew Cook on for Robert Sloan.

70:36

Rory Fallon gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Darren Smith. Direct free kick taken by Scott Durie.

69:54

Centre by Chris Clark, Steven Campbell makes a clearance.

69:12 Substitution

Substitution Rory Fallon on for Darren Mackie.

67:28

Save by Mark Ridgers.

67:28 Substitution

Substitution Scott Dalziel on for Ryan Wallace.

67:28

Corner taken right-footed by Ryan Jack,

67:15

Peter Pawlett takes a shot. Mark Ridgers makes a save.

63:03 Substitution

Substitution (Aberdeen) makes a substitution, with Isaac Osbourne coming on for Scott Vernon.

60:39

Ryan Wallace produces a right-footed shot from long range which goes wide right of the goal.

59:26

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Steven Campbell by Darren Mackie. Mark Ridgers restarts play with the free kick.

59:06

The ball is delivered by Peter Pawlett, Robert Linn manages to make a clearance.

56:03

Assist by Ryan Wallace.

56:03

Ryan Wallace provided the assist for the goal.

56:03 Goal scored

Goal - Robert Sloan - Aberdeen 2 - 3 East Fife Robert Sloan gets on the score sheet with a goal from inside the box to the bottom right corner of the goal. Aberdeen 2-3 East Fife.

55:50

The ball is sent over by Ryan Jack, Mark Ridgers makes a comfortable save.

55:14

Ryan Jack takes a outswinging corner to the near post, clearance by Robert Ogleby.

54:50

Darren Mackie crosses the ball, Steven Campbell manages to make a clearance.

53:08 Goal scored

Goal - Matthew Park - Aberdeen 2 - 2 East Fife Matthew Park finds the net with a goal from a long way out high into the middle of the goal. Aberdeen 2-2 East Fife.

52:39

Darren Mackie is flagged offside by the assistant referee. Steven Hislop restarts play with the free kick.

51:25

The ball is crossed by Darren Mackie, Close range effort by Peter Pawlett goes wide of the left-hand post.

51:08

Josh Magennis fouled by Scott Durie, the ref awards a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Andrew Considine.

49:47

The ball is swung over by Scott Durie, clearance made by Kari Arnason.

49:20

Scott Vernon gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on David Muir. Scott Durie takes the direct free kick.

47:47 Booking

Booking The referee books Darren Mackie for unsporting behaviour.

47:42

Darren Mackie gives away a free kick for an unfair challenge on Steven Campbell. Direct free kick taken by Mark Ridgers.

46:38

Scott Vernon provided the assist for the goal.

46:38 Goal scored

Goal - Darren Mackie - Aberdeen 2 - 1 East Fife Darren Mackie scores a goal from inside the six-yard box high into the middle of the goal. Aberdeen 2-1 East Fife.

46:03

Peter Pawlett takes a shot. Save by Mark Ridgers.

45:14

Inswinging corner taken by Robert Sloan from the right by-line, clearance made by David Gonzalez.

45:01

The referee gets the second half underway.

45:01 Substitution

Substitution Steven Hislop comes on in place of David White.

45:00 +1:16 Half time

Half Time The match has reached half-time.

45:00 +0:40

Josh Magennis has an effort at goal from just outside the penalty box which goes wide of the left-hand post.

44:54

Peter Pawlett takes a shot. Comfortable save by Mark Ridgers.

44:48

Chris Clark sends in a cross, clearance by David White.

44:03

Cross/shot by Scott Vernon,

43:26

Free kick awarded for a foul by Scott Durie on Andrew Considine. Direct free kick taken by Andrew Considine.

42:43

The ball is sent over by Chris Clark, David White manages to make a clearance.

42:05

Scott Vernon is ruled offside. Scott Durie takes the direct free kick.

39:26

Robert Linn challenges Peter Pawlett unfairly and gives away a free kick. The free kick is delivered right-footed by Josh Magennis from right channel,

39:50

Assist on the goal came from Ryan Jack.

39:50 Goal scored

Goal - Rory McArdle - Aberdeen 1 - 1 East Fife Rory McArdle finds the back of the net with a headed goal from close range. Aberdeen 1-1 East Fife.

39:26

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Peter Pawlett by Robert Linn. The free kick is delivered right-footed by Josh Magennis from right channel,

38:33

Josh Magennis takes a shot. Save by Mark Ridgers.

37:49

The ball is swung over by Josh Magennis, clearance by David Muir.

35:16

Inswinging corner taken from the right by-line by Robert Sloan, save by David Gonzalez.

31:00

Outswinging corner taken right-footed by Ryan Jack from the right by-line, David White makes a clearance. Outswinging corner taken right-footed by Ryan Jack, Steven Campbell makes a clearance.

30:13

The assist for the goal came from Robert Ogleby.

30:13

Assist by Robert Ogleby.

30:13 Goal scored

Goal - Ryan Wallace - Aberdeen 0 - 1 East Fife A goal is scored by Ryan Wallace from deep inside the penalty box to the top right corner of the goal. Aberdeen 0-1 East Fife.

27:27

Robert Sloan fouled by Peter Pawlett, the ref awards a free kick. Robert Sloan takes the free kick.

26:37

The offside flag is raised against Darren Mackie. Mark Ridgers takes the free kick. Ryan Jack takes a shot. Save made by Mark Ridgers.

26:09

Centre by Kari Arnason, David White manages to make a clearance.

25:18

The ball is swung over by Josh Magennis, save by Mark Ridgers.

24:38

The referee blows for offside against Scott Vernon. Steven Campbell takes the free kick.

23:56

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Chris Clark by Robert Sloan. Chris Clark restarts play with the free kick.

22:13

Effort from outside the penalty area by Peter Pawlett goes wide left of the goal.

22:08

The ball is sent over by Richard Foster, clearance by David White.

21:55

A cross is delivered by Josh Magennis, David White makes a clearance.

21:05

Unfair challenge on Matthew Park by Peter Pawlett results in a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Matthew Park.

19:49

Robert Ogleby crosses the ball, Andrew Considine manages to make a clearance.

18:47

Darren Mackie challenges Matthew Park unfairly and gives away a free kick. Direct free kick taken by Mark Ridgers.

18:29

The ball is delivered by Robert Linn, Rory McArdle makes a clearance.

18:03

A cross is delivered by Josh Magennis, clearance made by Scott Durie.

15:34

Ryan Wallace has shot on goal from just outside the area which goes wide of the right-hand upright.

14:22

Josh Magennis takes a shot. Save by Mark Ridgers.

12:55

Josh Magennis takes a shot. Save made by Mark Ridgers.

11:27

Corner from the left by-line taken by Richard Foster, Header from close range by Kari Arnason misses to the right of the goal.

10:43

Free kick awarded for an unfair challenge on Darren Mackie by David White. Free kick taken by Kari Arnason.

8:54

Ryan Jack challenges Darren Smith unfairly and gives away a free kick. David White restarts play with the free kick.

8:09

A cross is delivered by Chris Clark, clearance by David White.

7:42

The referee penalises David White for handball. Direct free kick taken by Ryan Jack.

6:11

Free kick awarded for a foul by Kari Arnason on David Muir. David Muir takes the direct free kick.

5:38

Effort from inside the area by Richard Foster misses to the left of the goal.

4:26

The referee blows for offside. Free kick taken by David Gonzalez.

3:18

Scott Vernon is penalised for a handball. Mark Ridgers takes the direct free kick.

1:51

Corner from the right by-line taken by Ryan Jack, clearance by David White.

1:33

Effort from deep inside the area by Scott Vernon misses to the right of the goal.

0:55

Peter Pawlett takes a shot. Save by Mark Ridgers.

0:00

The game kicks-off.

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