Aberdeen are through to the second qualifying round of the Europa League but only just, as they made hard work of seeing off the challenge of Macedonians KF Shkendija at Pittodrie.
A ragged display from the Dons would have been punished by a better side, and boss Derek McInnes and his players were left grateful for their opponents’ lack of a finishing.
It was far from pretty and, had the visitors made the most of their early chances, they would have headed for home celebrating their first victory in a European tie.
But it is clear the Dons will have to play much better in Croatia against HNK Rijeka next week if they are to enjoy more than a lingering interest in the tournament.
McInnes made one enforced change to the side which drew 1-1 in Skopje a week ago, with defender Mark Reynolds missing out due to his shoulder injury.
Midfielder Kenny McLean returned in his absence, with Graeme Shinnie moving to left back and Andrew Considine into central defence alongside Ashton Taylor.
The visitors had nothing to lose, and it showed as they went toe to toe with a Dons team who seemed tense and nervous despite having the advantage of an away goal.
The midfield especially was a problem area for Aberdeen, with captain Ryan Jack and birthday boy Jonny Hayes wasteful with both their possession and passing against a team which appeared to be capable of punishing them at any moment.
St Johnstone went out on away goals to Alashkert FC.
Meanwhile, West Ham recovered from an early red card for Diafra Sakho to ease past FC Lusitans of Andorra and advance in to the second round of Europa League qualifiers.
Elliot Lee’s first goal for the Hammers secured a 1-0 win, wrapping up a 4-0 aggregate success.