ESTER SOKS IT TO 'EM AS DONS RALLY

REDS BACK FROM DEAD: Sokler takes the acclaim after hauling Aberdeen level

- By Anthony Brown

ESTER SOKLER headed a late equaliser as Aberdeen fought back from two goals down against 10-man FCSB to keep their hopes of reaching the Europa League group phase very much alive.

The playoff first leg looked to be slipping away from the Scottish Cup winners when the Romanian champions went ahead in the 32nd minute and then overcame the dismissal of Juri Cisotti soon afterwards to double their lead in the first minute of the second half.

However, goals from substitutes Dante Polvara and Sokler in the closing half-hour brought the Dons level and ensured there is all to play for in Bucharest next Thursday.

Dons skipper Graeme Shinnie hailed their fans for inspiring the fightback.

He said: “Obviously disappointed to go two goals behind. The heart and the character, driven on by the crowd who were phenomenal, that was there to come back.

“The belief is firmly there for next week.”