Derek McInnes upbeat despite conceding away goal

Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes is confident his side can overcome conceding a Europa League away goal after they "rattled'' Maribor with a dominant display at Pittodrie.

The Dons failed to capitalise on a series of chances - which numbered double figures before half-time - before Milivoje Novakovic stunned the hosts with a smart finish in the 83rd minute from what was the Slovenians' second real opportunity of the third qualifying round.

But Jonny Hayes slotted home four minutes later after good hold-up play from Adam Rooney and McInnes feels the 1-1 draw - and the manner of their performance - should give them ample hope.

"First and foremost I'm delighted with the response of the players,'' he said.

"Clearly when we went behind it was really sore on them because we were the better team throughout, created the better chances, played with the better intensity.

"We tried to get the balance right of being the team that asked questions, got crosses into the box and really gave them something to concern themselves with.

"We did all of that apart from getting the goal. We created umpteen opportunities, got in good areas, but I think they had one chance in open play and took it. That's the quality they have.

"We are a bit annoyed with the goal but rather than feeling sorry for themselves, the thing I'm thinking about most is the response of the players. It's been similar throughout this season with the late goals.

"One goal might be enough to make sure there's something to play for over there. There's no doubt Maribor are in a stronger position but we scored thee goals last year in Rijeka, we scored two goals the year before in Groningen. We can score over there.

"The players will know they can score as well after the way they performed.

"They are very compact and don't lose many goals but they will remember what they faced tonight and they will be aware we can get to them. The plan is to get them again next week.

"If we create even a quarter of the chances we created tonight, I'm confident we have players who can take those chances. They will know they have work to do to get through the tie. We rattled them, but we are respectful of their quality.''

Maribor head coach Darko Milanic claimed he was not surprised by Aberdeen's attacking approach but promised the second leg would be different.

Milanic, who had 32 days in charge of Leeds in 2014, said: "It was a tough match. I have to congratulate my boys for showing such good fight.

"We scored first in very hostile conditions and we have another difficult 90 minutes ahead. But I expect a different match. Our opponent will not play the same way again.''

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