Pittodrie bow pleases Ward

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The on-loan Liverpool stopper pulled off a crucial late save to ensure Aberdeen’s progression in the Europa League qualifiers with a victory over the Macedonian side on the away goals rule.

“I did see it late and thankfully got a hand to it. But the back four were great all night,” Ward told Red TV.

“Every time they were called upon they stuck their head in, stuck their foot in, got their bodies in the way.

“It was very disciplined, and as a unit we are very happy with the clean sheet, and long may it continue.”

Aberdeen will now face Croatian side Rijeka in the next round, and the 22-year-old is hopeful the team can go beyond that tie.

“We knew what they were about from last week, they are technically very good, a lot of good players, a lot of internationals,” Ward said.

“So it was a good test for us, especially so early in the season.

“So I’m very happy to get through and personally to get the clean sheet and get the first game at Pittodrie out the way.

“You can’t take any team in Europe for granted, They were a very good team, very well-organised and hard to break down. Getting through a test like this can only help us go from strength to strength now.

“Obviously it’s going to be a step up now. We know a bit more about Rijeka so hopefully we’ll get a good run in the competition. It’s a great competition to be in.”

Meanwhile, Aberdeen have confirmed the club are looking for a new training facility after cancelling arrangements to improve Balgownie playing fields.

A club statement read: “The University of Aberdeen and Aberdeen Football Club have been working for some time on plans to develop the University’s Balgownie playing fields into a shared sporting facility to benefit both parties.

“As plans have progressed, it has become apparent that the combined usage demands will be too great for the facility to accommodate and as such it has been decided to discontinue the proposal for shared facilities.

“The University will continue to use Balgownie as one of its main sporting facilities and the current usage of the site by AFC, AFC Youth Development and AFCCT will remain for the rest of this season as per the existing agreement with the University.

“Aberdeen Football Club can also confirm that it is investigating potential opportunities for training facilities at alternative specific sites within the area.

“While both parties are disappointed these plans have not come to fruition, the project has fostered a stronger working relationship between AFC and the University and both organisations look forward to continuing that relationship going forward.”