Valiant battle is in vain for Dons

ABERDEEN were edged out by Shakhtar Donetsk in the UEFA Conference League but gave the home fans some much-needed encouragement with a brave display at Pittodrie.

- BY BLAIR ESSON

Jesper Karlsson put the home side into a shock lead from the penalty spot after just eight minutes, but the visitors deservedly drew level through Yehor Nazaryna before the break.

Goals early in the second half from Lucas Ferreira and Pedro Henrique had the visitors in front, but Nicky Devlin’s header set up a nailbiting finale.

The sides could not have gone into the match in more different form, with the Dons sat bottom of the Premiership without a league goal and a solitary point from six matches.

Shakhtar, meanwhile, are unbeaten over 90 minutes this term, and lead the Ukrainian Premier League by two points over Dynamo Kyiv.