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JONNY HAYES struck an 88th-minute equaliser for Aberdeen as they drew 1-1 with Slovenian side NK Maribor.

At a sun-kissed Pittodrie, the Dons had plenty of opportunities on goal and looked the better side particularly in the second half.

After an open but goalless first half, Derek McInnes' side imposed themselves on the game but it was the visitors who opened the scoring in the Europa League third qualifying round tie.

Milivoje Novaković struck in the 83rd minute to silence Pittodrie after turning Ash Taylor, just minutes after Adam Rooney had a goal chopped off for offside.

But Aberdeen refused to give in and with two minutes left of the 90, Hayes found the back of the net.

The Irish winger equalised with a neat finish into the bottom corner after Rooney found him with a lay-off.

The Reds now travel to Slovenia level on terns ahead of the second leg next Thursday evening.

THREE THINGS WE LEARNED

1: Question marks against Aberdeen's defence haven't gone away from last season and they lost another poor goal here.

Taylor always looks like he's got a mistake in him and he was brushed aside far too easily by 37-year-old Novakovic for Maribor goal. Considine also isn't a natural full-back which hinders Dons at times going forward.

2: Despite this result, if McInnes goes 4-4-2 in the Scottish Premiership with Rooney and Stockley up front Aberdeen could pulverise teams into submission.

The strike pair would cause any defence problems with their physical presence and threat. And if the right service comes in from wide they'll terrorise top flight teams especially at Pittodrie.

3: The Dons shouldn't fear going to Slovenia because they were by far the better side here for long spells. Maribor looked good for a 10 minute period in the first half but for most of the match McInnes' men were on top.

If they can defend properly in the away leg and use the pace of Hayes and McGinn on the break they can still qualify for the play-off round.