How Jim Goodwin set an example as Aberdeen stood shoulder to shoulder with Motherwell for the first time this season

Jim Goodwin made his name as a hard-tackling midfielder who was even known to indulge in the dark arts on occasion. A wounded Kevin van Veen would have been considered fair game to him.

The Motherwell striker hurt his shoulder in the opening 20 minutes of Saturday’s re-match.

A first point against the Fir Park side this season represented a modicum of revenge for Aberdeen after the Scottish Cup exit in Stephen Glass’ last game in charge seven days earlier. It is also evidence of quick progress under Goodwin prior to his Pittodrie bow this weekend against Dundee United.

But there will be some frustration that Van Veen still managed to make his presence felt despite operating at around 50 per cent capacity. The Dutch striker was able to fend off Declan Gallagher in the box and get a shot on target that was blocked by Joe Lewis. Mark O’Hara tucked in the rebound to level the scores after Vicente Besuijen had given the visitors a first half-lead.

Van Veen somehow managed to finish the game and was still on the pitch for post-match handshakes. Unlike last week, when he very deliberately avoided pressing the flesh of opposite man Gallagher, this time the pair did acknowledge each other in a rather sweet moment near the touchline.

Van Veen later noted the game was played in a better spirit compared to the “toxic” atmosphere of a week earlier, when he accused the Aberdeen defenders of deliberately trying to hurt him.

He did suggest Lewis Ferguson had perhaps earned some sneaking respect from his new manager by targeting his injured arm. But otherwise, it was a tough battle played in the right spirit and with honours deservedly shared – just about. Motherwell did finish the stronger team and Van Veen, right arm hanging limply by