Jayden Stockley is putting himself about up front for Aberdeen and his graft allows Graeme Shinnie to slide a pass through for Jonny Hayes, who slashes a shot wildly off target from a tight angle. The winger gets a kick on the ankle from a late challenge and an even later flag goes up for offside, which he wasn't.

Aberdeen make their first switch as Jayden Stockley comes on to replace Niall McGinn, who hasn't had much of a rest since his Euro 2016 exploits with Northern Ireland.

That might be better than the penalty stop! Joe Lewis dives low to push away a ferocious 16-yard shot from Ritvar Rugins.

Dons fans don't appear to be in agreement with Gary Wilson's criticism....

Nick Grant, Perth: I guess gary thinks you win the league in pre-season.  

Marybell: Och awa and dinna b such a big bairn! COYR!

Scott Davie
BBC Scotland in Latvia

"Much better in terms of pace and intensity from the Dons after a half-time chat with the gaffer!

"They are moving the ball much more effectively on the deck and really starting to stretch a side who have to throw players forward if they are going to get anything from the tie."

Having been brought down 20 yards from goal, Niall McGinn curls a free-kick over the defensive wall and in the direction of the top corner only for Maksims Uvarenko to claw the ball away from under his crossbar.

Joe Lewis gets down to make a smart save after a strong run and shot from Alans Sinelnikovs.

Aberdeen threaten again with a miscued header from Adam Rooney spinning to the far post and Kenny McLean's karate kick from close range steering the ball over the top of the target.

Gary Wilson, Aberdeen: "Writing is on the wall for the Dons this season. Utter dire in defence, one dimensional in midfield and clueless upfront. Why on earth has Taylor not been frog marched out of Aberdeen? Reducing the capacity of the new stadium to match the clubs ambitions says it all."

Your team is winning Gary...

This tie should be buried! Graeme Shinnie arrives at the back post to meet a Niall McGinn delivery but elects to head the ball across goal rather than simply knocking it in. Adam Rooney then scoops it over from no more than a couple of yards.

We're off again...

The Latvian side are going to have to go for it in the second half, so there might well be more space for the likes of Aberdeen wide men Jonny Hayes and Niall McGinn to enjoy.

Image source, SNS

Scott Davie
BBC Scotland in Latvia

"Ventspils started well and Aberdeen haven't played at their best and haven't threatened much and they will feel relieved that the scoreline is level at the interval with bad luck at both ends.  "Adam Rooney had a goal disallowed for offside after the goalkeeper touched Ryan Jack's long range effort onto the bar then Joe Lewis saved Antons Jemelins controversial penalty.  "If that had gone in it would have been game on for the Latvian side but the Dons will be confident of seeing this tie out with just 45 minutes to go."

That great penalty save from Joe Lewis may just have crushed any home hopes of a fightback. It was a daft challenge from Ash Taylor, raising his foot when the opponent did not have the ball under control, but he's maybe dodged the hairdryer treatment from his manager thanks to his team-mate.

Aberdeen skipper Ryan Jack is down on the turf clutching the back of his head. A stretcher is called for, then waved away as the midfielder walks off the pitch for some treatment.

Joe Lewis dives to his right to push away the spot-kick from Antons Jemelins and the keeper is up on his feet to kick away a follow-up shot.

Cracking double-save!

Aberdeen defender Ash Taylor waves one of his big legs at a high bouncing ball as Alexei Alekseev does the same before falling over. There didn't seem like much danger there, or much contact...

Ryan Jack thunders a powerful shot against the crossbar from 25 yards and Adam Rooney stoops to head in the rebound from close range. However, the celebrations are cut short by a linesman's flag.

A great strike from the Aberdeen captain - did the goalie get a touch? The goalframe is still quivering like jelly.

Scott Davie
BBC Scotland in Latvia

"Not much football being played as a lot of the game is going back to front with both sides looking to capitalise on second balls.

"But the Dons defence has looked a bit nervy on occasion with Ash Taylor and Mark Reynolds causing their own problems at times."