Motherwell roared back against Aberdeen to dent Jim Goodwin’s first day in charge of the Dons.
The new Pittodrie gaffer was in the dugout just hours after penning his two-and-a-half year deal and he got off to a flier with Vicente Besuijen nabbing his first goal for the club to fire the Reds in front.
But the Fir Park men battled back and Mark O’Hara grabbed a deserved leveller after Kevin van Veen – who played most of the afternoon with a busted shoulder – caused havoc in the box.
By the end Goodwin will have been relieved to escape with a point as 'Well pushed to repeat last week’s Scottish Cup win that cost Stephen Glass his job.
The Dons squad were out to make a good first impression for the new boss.
'Well keeper Liam Kelly was forced to paw away Lewis Ferguson’s early free kick and then tip over Calvin Ramsay’s back post header.
Aberdeen’s backline continued to look a little jittery though with Van Veen chasing down Joe Lewis and the keeper was lucky his clearance off the Dutchman spun just outside the post.
Liam Donnelly volleyed narrowly over and a few others threatened.
Christian Ramirez had the ball in the net – only to get flagged offside.
But Besuijen broke the trap soon after when he finished off a sweeping move with David Bates sending Adam Montgomery scampering inside Bevis Mugabi and laying the ball on a plate for his pal.
Motherwell looked to hit back immediately and the Dons had to dig in as Sean Goss flashed one over the top.
Tempers were bubbling nicely and they boiled over before the break when Bates smashed in to Joe Efford and then O’Hara collided with Hayes before the free kick was called back.
Declan Gallagher and Mugabi got booked for their part in the flare up and then Van Veen clattered the post from the eventual set piece.
The frantic pace continued after the break as Donnelly curled wide from 25 yards and Besuijen stabbed straight at Kelly after Hayes whipped the ball in to the box.
Van Veen was struggling but it didn’t stop him spinning behind and forcing Lewis to block at his near post.
And the big striker played a key role as Well levelled after 68 minutes. Van Veen used his strength to hold off his man and get a shot off on the turn, it was blocked by Lewis but O’Hara pounced to bundle home the rebound.
Joahni Ojala prodded over from close range moments later as the hosts chased a winner but Aberdeen held on to grab a point for Goodwin.
Here's three talking points from Fir Park
GOODIE HAS A JOB ON HIS HANDS
Jim Goodwin could have taken the easy option and sat in the stands this weekend as he only got confirmed in the job on the morning of the game.
But he wanted to get stuck in straight away and he got an immediate response. Aberdeen still look a tad fragile when playing at the back but there was much more intensity in the side that seen in the last few weeks of Stephen Glass’ reign.
The same old problems remain though and the new manager will have to sort out the mentality as much as anything.
Aberdeen retreated in to their shells and invited pressure. Goodwin will need to raise confidence levels and quickly.
ONE ARMED BANDIT
Kevin van Veen is already on his way to cult hero status at Fir Park and he’s been a scourge of Aberdeen this season.
He did the business against the Dons once more – and this time he did it despite clearly toiling with a busted shoulder.
The Dutchman looked to have popped it after just 19 minutes when he was blocked when running through on Joe Lewis.
At times it seems his right arm was hanging limp yet he continued to soldier on and it was his presence – along with his strength and skill – that teed up Mark O’Hara to level.
He might not have scored but van Veen is absolutely vital for Well.
NO FRIENDS REUNITED
Familiarity really does breed contempt. This was the fourth time these sides have met this season and the second time in a week.
They even looked like they were sick of the sight of each other. Declan Gallagher and Kevin van Venn picked up where they left off last week but there were tasty tackles going in all over the place.
Motherwell are no shrinking violets but Goodwin will be pleased with how his new side stood up to the physical challenge after at times seeming a bit soft centred this season, even if they got ragged by the end.
And at least these sides can avoid each other for a while.
