DONS HEADING FOR GOOD TIMES - BOSS

The Dons have struggled in recent seasons but, after the battling point against the Light Blues last week, the Pittodrie boss was delighted with the same result at Tynecastle.

However, Calderwood insists that, with a sharper edge in attack, the team can further delight the supporters this season.

He said: "We created a few chances, but we've got to improve going forward.

"It is great to keep a clean sheet and, again, the defence did well, but we've got to start scoring goals.

"Keeping clean sheets against Rangers and Hearts is not easy and I believe we have a solid foundation to work from now.

"The supporters were magnificent and it was nice to send them up the road with a smile on their faces."

But Calderwood conceded Hearts had enjoyed the better of the opening stages, but was pleased with the way his players responded after half-time.

He added: "We were under the cosh for a bit in the first half and Hearts looked very strong at that stage.

"I was disappointed by the way we played because we didn't do enough with the ball and were flying into tackles.

"But, after half-time, we got our act together and started winning more of the second ball."

But Hearts head coach Craig Levein has shrugged off his lack of bite upfront.

The Jambos dominated the game but could not find a killer touch to claim all three points.

However, Levein was upbeat about his side's performance and believes that, if they keep creating chances, the goals will follow.

Levein said: "I thought we dominated the first half, but let them come back at us a bit after half-time.

"We looked solid and there was never really a time I thought we'd lose the game, but the problem was that I didn't know if we had enough to win it.

"There were plenty of chances to score. Ramon Pereira had three headers and Paul Hartley had a couple of chances too, so it's good to see us getting in those sort of positions.

"I'm not too concerned because we've still got Mark de Vries and Kevin McKenna to come back, so, when they do, we'll have an added threat.

"It is disappointing to have them both out at the same time because they are similar players and can come in for each other.

"A few times we played balls into the box and, if either of them had been playing, we would have scored, so the sooner they are back the better.

"Mark has been doing some jogging, so we may have him back in time for next week."

Levein also praised the Dons for their battling performance and believes they have the right man to lead them in Calderwood and his assistant, Jimmy Nicholl.

He added: "Aberdeen are a side on the up and the two Jimmys have given them a right lift.

"They are better organised and have a bit more grit and spirit about them now."

Taken from sportinglife.com