LEWIS FERGUSON announced himself to the world when he scored a wonder goal against Burnley in last season’s Europa League, but his scrappy stoppage time winner here for Aberdeen against Rovaniemi is far more valuable.

While his bicycle kick proved to be little more than a consolation against the Premier League side, his late strike last night in Lapland ensured that the Dons are in the second round of qualifying after winning 4-2 on aggregate.

This was far from a vintage performance against a limited side, but at this stage of the season when continental action is at stake, it is only results that matter.

The night had begun disastrously when Tarik Kada’s deflected shot looped off Ash Taylor and into the net. In the land of Santa Claus, it was a gift for the hosts.

But Sam Cosgrove’s penalty put them back in control of the tie, and although they were made to sweat in the Arctic Circle, Ferguson booked their spot in the next round, where they will face Chikhura Sachkhere.

“We lose a goal in the last 30 seconds in the first game and in the first 90 seconds in this game,” said Derek McInnes. “It happens.

“The good thing for me was we had 90 minutes to come back. We were young in the middle of the park with Ferguson and Dean Campbell but they were outstanding when we needed that composure and calmness.

“Our lack of finishing and not putting the game to bed earlier is disappointing but we knew we had to bring a decent level of performance as RoPS pushed us all the way and we deserved to go through.

“We played Ferguson against Lucas Lingman as he was the one player who we didn’t want to lift his head and enjoy the game. Lingman had his moments but when I need a job to be done, Ferguson is the one who does it. I was screaming at him towards the end but he got the goal like he did against Burnley.”

After Kada’s goal, Aberdeen didn’t panic, with Taylor and Ferguson passing up chances before they eventually scored from a spot-kick. Mo Sissoko clattered Ferguson and Cosgrove scored past Antonio Reguero, despite the Spaniard’s best efforts.

Cosgrove passed up a couple of good headed chances, while Ryan Hedges lashed a ferocious shot just over the bar as they hunted for a winner. Youness Rahimi may have scored for the hosts when he raced in on goal, but goalkeeper Joe Lewis was off his line quickly to make the save.

Aberdeen’s calmness was best personified by Ferguson and Campbell. Between them, they have a combined age of 37, but they merely continued to play their own game in the heat of battle.

Aberdeen could have Craig Bryson available for next Thursday’s fixture in Tbilisi if the midfielder has recovered from an ankle injury, but McInnes will certainly have more options in the middle of the park as Funso Ojo will be registered having arrived from Scunthorpe United.

McInnes added: “When the question was asked I’m finding out a lot about my team which is a whole new side. We needed calm heads and composure and we didn’t panic after losing the goal.”

Deep into stoppage time, as Rovaniemi mounted a late push, Ferguson burst up the park, being denied by Reguero with his first effort before converting at the second bite.

Pasi Tuutti, the RoPS manager, said: “There were a lot of ifs. If we got a penalty in the first leg. If we take another chance. Everyone is crying as this was the biggest game for us.

“In the home games the referee wasn’t fair. The more experienced player can use that if the whistler is not at the same level they can dive a little bit more. If this referee was in the first leg maybe we get a penalty. We challenged Aberdeen as well as we could and the crowd is very proud of the boys.”

RoPS Rovaniemi: Reguero, Hyvarinen, Katz, Sissoko, Taiwo, Sihvonen, Muinonen (Jantti 81), Kada, Lingman, Agnaldo (Rahimi 68), Kokko (Jokelainen 66). Subs not used: Siskovski, Olander, Llamas Pardo, Tamminen. Booked: Kokko.

Aberdeen: Lewis, Logan, Taylor, McKenna, Considine, Ferguson, Campbell, McGinn (Wright 87), Hedges, Gallagher, Cosgrove (Main 66). Subs not used: Cerny, Wilson, May, McLennan, Virtanen. Booked: Campbell, Logan.

Referee: Umit Ozturk (Turkey).