Niall McGinn is a big, big player for Aberdeen and it was his goal that gave them a brief lead in Skopje. The Dons will be pleased with a draw I'm sure and there will be a big turn out for the return leg next week to cheer them on.
I'll sign off now. Thanks for your company this evening and we'll do it all again in seven days' time.
Post update
We'll bring you reaction from Dons manager Derek McInnes after our reporter Jim Spence has a word with him and there may be an update on the injury to Mark Reynolds. The defender went off with an arm or wrist problem.
Post update
Of the new boys on show, Graeme Shinnie can be pleased with a solid Aberdeen debut and Paul Quinn made a couple of timely blocks when he came off the bench but keeper Danny Ward was a bit wobbly in his first competitive outing.
Post update
The teams meet again at Pittodrie next Thursday and Aberdeen will not be taking the Macedonians lightly after a testing second half in Skopje. The heat may have been a factor but the visitors were definitely second best after the break.
FULL-TIME
Shkendija 1-1 Aberdeen
The Dons will be happy with a draw after a few scares in the second half. Niall McGinn knocked in the away goal but Shkendija got the equaliser their play deserved through an excellent header from Hristijan Kirovski.
Post update
Shkendija are pressing for one last chance and leaving spaces at the back, with Niall McGinn suddenly getting a clear view of goal, but he can't lift his shot beyond goalkeeper Jovanovski.
Post update
With four minutes of stoppage time signalled, Aberdeen full-back Shay Logan is on hand to hack clear when defending a corner.
Post update
Aberdeen defender Ash Taylor summons the energy to go up for a free-kick and meets a deep delivery from Jonny Hayes, only to head over from a promising position.
Post update
The Aberdeen players look pretty knackered as the game enters the 88th minute. Manager Derek McInnes will just want to get through the last few moments with this score intact.
GOAL
Shkendija 1-1 Aberdeen (Kirovski)
The hosts draw level as Hristijan Kirovski comes off the bench to plant a great header into the top corner with what might have been his first touch!
Post update
Paul Quinn puts his face where it hurts to stop a thunderous shot. The former Ross County skipper hardly flinched!
GOAL
Shkendija 0-1 Aberdeen (McGinn)
After come through a sticky spell to take the lead and it's Niall McGinn who starts and finishes the move. The Northern Ireland international drives forward to pick out Shay Logan then runs on to the full-back's low cross to plant a shot inside the post from near the penalty spot.
Post update
A blunder from Danny Ward almost gifts the hosts a goal! The diving keeper lets the ball run behind him thinking it's going out of play but Ibraimi shows great pace and tenacity to get to the ball on the byline near the post and cuts it back across goal. Paul Quinn needs to make a great blocking tackle to deny Junior a tap in.
Post update
It's after 10:30 in Macedonia but still very warm, with the majority of the crowd in short sleeves. Will Aberdeen feel the heat in the closing stages?
SUBSTITUTION
Mark Reynolds looks to be in a spot of trouble as he leaves the pitch clutching his arm after a collision with an opponent. The defender is immediately replaced by Paul Quinn.
SUBSTITUTION
Aberdeen make a double change as David Goodwillie and Peter Pawlett come on to replace Adam Rooney and Willo Flood. Rooney, who was so prolific in front of goal last season, didn't get a sniff of a chance in those first 65 minutes.
Post update
It's that man Ibraimi again. This time he fizzes a free-kick from 30 yards wide of the mark.
Post update
Shkendija threaten from a corner as Ibraimi flashes a near post header into the side-netting. The substitute has made a significant impact for the home side.
Post update
Aberdeen's Niall McGinn connects well with a strike from the left but the keeper gobbles it up with a rather flashy flying save.
Post update
SNS GroupCopyright: SNS Group
Graeme Shinnie is making his Aberdeen debut tonight and has been comfortable in a midfield role.
Post update
A free-kick from Ibraimi clears the defensive wall but it's a simple save for Danny Ward, who takes the sting out of the shot by patting it down to the ground.
Post update
Aberdeen enjoy a lucky break as Hasani sprints away from the Dons defence but is erroneously ruled offside. The hosts have definitely picked up the pace.
Post update
Macedonia international Besart Ibraimi is on as a replacement and is immediately involved in an attack. However, the former Schalke player loses his footing on the edge of the box as the ball comes his way.
"Once we went behind, I think we were the slightly better side, moved a lot quicker and created a few opportunities.
"Unfortunately we couldn't get that goal, which would have been a really good result away form home, but we are only 1-0 down and the tie is very much alive."
Post update
Remember, Rijeka of Croatia await the winners of this tie and there are two more rounds to negotiate after that to reach the group stage. The Dons went out to Real Sociedad at the third qualifying stage last year, so that indicates the level of opposition to come.
HALF-TIME
Schkendija 0-0 Aberdeen
It's not been a classic but Aberdeen have got through 45 minutes with the minimum of fuss. Visiting manager Derek McInnes will be content with the scoreline but I'm sure he'd like to see some better service to striker Adam Rooney after the interval.
Post update
Aberdeen have lost their way slightly, with one too many simple passes going astray. Half-time looms...
Post update
The home fans suddenly find their voices as a rocket shot from Demiri is deflected wide for a corner. Under no pressure at all, goalie Danny Ward has a very unconvincing flap at the set-piece but the home side cannot profit.
Post update
SNS GroupCopyright: SNS Group
The 200 Aberdeen fans in Skopje will be relatively pleased so far, with their team under no real pressure. There are no photographs of the game yet, which is why these chaps are getting some publicity. Those WiFi issues must be troubling the snappers as well as our reporter Jim Spence.
Post update
Niall McGinn is the man to have a pop but Hayes might be on the next one as the ball sails harmlessly over the target.
Post update
Jonny Hayes and Niall McGinn are over the ball as Aberdeen win a free kick 25 yards from goal...
Post update
Aberdeen are a bit sloppy dealing with a terrible throw-in from the hosts and a loose defensive header falls to Juffo, who hits a a shot from 18 yards straight at Danny Ward.
Post update
Now I don't want to tempt fate but this Schkendija side do not look up to much. Aberdeen look far more comfortable in possession as Willo Flood turns on the edge of the penalty area and hammers a shot high over the crossbar.
Post update
Aberdeen forward Niall McGinn cuts in from the left and decides to let fly, with his shot bouncing into the side-netting.
Join the debate at #bbcscotfootball
St Johnstone's David Wotherspoon on Twitter: "Disappointing result but still plenty football left to play. Great to see Saints fans across supporting us. #COYS"
Post update
Jim Spence, our man in Skopje has gone quiet - perhaps for the first time in his life. WiFi issues at the stadium apparently, so you'll need to make do with my ramblings for now...
Post update
Aberdeen are having a good wee spell as Andrew Considine shells a long throw-in into a crowded penalty area. The towering Ash Taylor gets his head to the ball but his flick goes high and wide of the target.
Post update
Dons boss Derek McInnes, normally a portrait of calm, races to the touchline in a fury as Graeme Shinnie breaks and is caught up in a tangle with the last defender. The foul mysteriously going to the hosts.
Post update
It's been a bit scruffy so far but the signs are that it will be an open game, with both sides looking to get forward. An Aberdeen attack is brought to a halt as Andrew Considine is punished for a bit of shoving at the back post.
Post update
Aberdeen win a corner and it's worked low to skipper Ryan Jack but his scuffed shot is easily gathered by the goalkeeper.
KICK-OFF
We're off and the hosts waste no time getting forward, with Junior, one of two Brazilians in the side, taking a tumble in the penalty box under pressure from Shay Logan. Play is waved on...
Post update
The teams are out and the home side are looking sharp in AC Milan-style red and black stripes, with the Dons in their white away tops.
Post update
SNS GroupCopyright: SNS Group
Some of the Aberdeen players test the bench out ahead of kick off, which is just few minutes away now. Kenny McLean, Barry Robson, David Goodwillie and Paul Quinn are among those not in the starting XI.
Post update
The winner after next Thursday's second leg at Pittodrie will face Rijeka of Croatia in the second qualifying round.
Post update
Shkendija, established in 1979 as a club for players and fans of Albanian descent, are in their fourth consecutive season in European football but have yet to win a tie.
Aberdeen had a decent stab at qualifying last season, beating Daugava Riga of Latvia and Dutch Cup winners Groningen before losing to Spanish side Real Sociedad.
LINE-UPS
Shkendija Tetovo: Jovanovski, Dzemaili, Cuculi, Alimi, Demiri, Polozani, Todorovski, Junior, Juffo, Vrucina, Hasani. Subs: Azizi, Bejtulai, Demir Imeri, Demir Imeri, Kirovski, Bojku, Besar, Totre.
"A velvet blue sky overhead with perhaps three thousand or so in at the moment, with Aberdeen's intrepid couple of hundred fans making plenty of noise fortified by beer at just over one pound a pint."
Post update
SNS Group Craig FoyCopyright: SNS Group Craig Foy
The Dons have around 200 supporters with them for a match switched to the capital city from Schkendija's home town of Tetovo.
These guys certainly look like they are enjoying themselves...
Join the debate at #bbcscotfootball
Jim Spence
BBC Scotland at the Philip II Arena, Skopje
"White tops red shorts and red and white socks for the Dons tonight. A mix of home and away kit."
Post update
Summer signings Graeme Shinnie and Danny Ward make their competitive debuts, with the former Inverness skipper set for a midfield role and the on-loan Liverpool keeper preferred to Scott Brown and Jamie Langfield.
St Johnstone's Murray Davidson has had wretched luck with injury in recent years and manager Tommy Wright is worried that the midfielder may have suffered knee ligament damage.
Post update
The Dons are not the only Scottish team involved at this stage. Earlier today, St Johnstone lost out 1-0 against Alashkert in Armenia, with the Perth side turning in a very disappointing performance.
Post update
Wimbledon is in it's first week and The Open is still 10 days away but the new football season is already upon us. Aberdeen players have had their summer holiday cut short again as they bid to qualify for the Europa League.
Good evening and welcome to our coverage of Aberdeen's visit to the Macedonian capital of Skopje to take on Schkendija.
Live Reporting
Colin Moffat
All times stated are UK
Get involved
SNS GroupCopyright: SNS Group 
SNS GroupCopyright: SNS Group 
SNS GroupCopyright: SNS Group 
SNS GroupCopyright: SNS Group 
SNS Group Craig FoyCopyright: SNS Group Craig Foy 
Latest PostPost update
Niall McGinn is a big, big player for Aberdeen and it was his goal that gave them a brief lead in Skopje. The Dons will be pleased with a draw I'm sure and there will be a big turn out for the return leg next week to cheer them on.
I'll sign off now. Thanks for your company this evening and we'll do it all again in seven days' time.
Post update
We'll bring you reaction from Dons manager Derek McInnes after our reporter Jim Spence has a word with him and there may be an update on the injury to Mark Reynolds. The defender went off with an arm or wrist problem.
Post update
Of the new boys on show, Graeme Shinnie can be pleased with a solid Aberdeen debut and Paul Quinn made a couple of timely blocks when he came off the bench but keeper Danny Ward was a bit wobbly in his first competitive outing.
Post update
The teams meet again at Pittodrie next Thursday and Aberdeen will not be taking the Macedonians lightly after a testing second half in Skopje. The heat may have been a factor but the visitors were definitely second best after the break.
FULL-TIME
Shkendija 1-1 Aberdeen
The Dons will be happy with a draw after a few scares in the second half. Niall McGinn knocked in the away goal but Shkendija got the equaliser their play deserved through an excellent header from Hristijan Kirovski.
Post update
Shkendija are pressing for one last chance and leaving spaces at the back, with Niall McGinn suddenly getting a clear view of goal, but he can't lift his shot beyond goalkeeper Jovanovski.
Post update
With four minutes of stoppage time signalled, Aberdeen full-back Shay Logan is on hand to hack clear when defending a corner.
Post update
Aberdeen defender Ash Taylor summons the energy to go up for a free-kick and meets a deep delivery from Jonny Hayes, only to head over from a promising position.
Post update
The Aberdeen players look pretty knackered as the game enters the 88th minute. Manager Derek McInnes will just want to get through the last few moments with this score intact.
GOAL
Shkendija 1-1 Aberdeen (Kirovski)
The hosts draw level as Hristijan Kirovski comes off the bench to plant a great header into the top corner with what might have been his first touch!
Post update
Paul Quinn puts his face where it hurts to stop a thunderous shot. The former Ross County skipper hardly flinched!
GOAL
Shkendija 0-1 Aberdeen (McGinn)
After come through a sticky spell to take the lead and it's Niall McGinn who starts and finishes the move. The Northern Ireland international drives forward to pick out Shay Logan then runs on to the full-back's low cross to plant a shot inside the post from near the penalty spot.
Post update
A blunder from Danny Ward almost gifts the hosts a goal! The diving keeper lets the ball run behind him thinking it's going out of play but Ibraimi shows great pace and tenacity to get to the ball on the byline near the post and cuts it back across goal. Paul Quinn needs to make a great blocking tackle to deny Junior a tap in.
Post update
It's after 10:30 in Macedonia but still very warm, with the majority of the crowd in short sleeves. Will Aberdeen feel the heat in the closing stages?
SUBSTITUTION
Mark Reynolds looks to be in a spot of trouble as he leaves the pitch clutching his arm after a collision with an opponent. The defender is immediately replaced by Paul Quinn.
SUBSTITUTION
Aberdeen make a double change as David Goodwillie and Peter Pawlett come on to replace Adam Rooney and Willo Flood. Rooney, who was so prolific in front of goal last season, didn't get a sniff of a chance in those first 65 minutes.
Post update
It's that man Ibraimi again. This time he fizzes a free-kick from 30 yards wide of the mark.
Post update
Shkendija threaten from a corner as Ibraimi flashes a near post header into the side-netting. The substitute has made a significant impact for the home side.
Post update
Aberdeen's Niall McGinn connects well with a strike from the left but the keeper gobbles it up with a rather flashy flying save.
Post update
Graeme Shinnie is making his Aberdeen debut tonight and has been comfortable in a midfield role.
Post update
A free-kick from Ibraimi clears the defensive wall but it's a simple save for Danny Ward, who takes the sting out of the shot by patting it down to the ground.
Post update
Aberdeen enjoy a lucky break as Hasani sprints away from the Dons defence but is erroneously ruled offside. The hosts have definitely picked up the pace.
Post update
Macedonia international Besart Ibraimi is on as a replacement and is immediately involved in an attack. However, the former Schalke player loses his footing on the edge of the box as the ball comes his way.
KICK-OFF
We're up and running again.
Post update
St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright on the 1-0 loss to Alashkert.
"Once we went behind, I think we were the slightly better side, moved a lot quicker and created a few opportunities.
"Unfortunately we couldn't get that goal, which would have been a really good result away form home, but we are only 1-0 down and the tie is very much alive."
Post update
Remember, Rijeka of Croatia await the winners of this tie and there are two more rounds to negotiate after that to reach the group stage. The Dons went out to Real Sociedad at the third qualifying stage last year, so that indicates the level of opposition to come.
HALF-TIME
Schkendija 0-0 Aberdeen
It's not been a classic but Aberdeen have got through 45 minutes with the minimum of fuss. Visiting manager Derek McInnes will be content with the scoreline but I'm sure he'd like to see some better service to striker Adam Rooney after the interval.
Post update
Aberdeen have lost their way slightly, with one too many simple passes going astray. Half-time looms...
Post update
The home fans suddenly find their voices as a rocket shot from Demiri is deflected wide for a corner. Under no pressure at all, goalie Danny Ward has a very unconvincing flap at the set-piece but the home side cannot profit.
Post update
The 200 Aberdeen fans in Skopje will be relatively pleased so far, with their team under no real pressure. There are no photographs of the game yet, which is why these chaps are getting some publicity. Those WiFi issues must be troubling the snappers as well as our reporter Jim Spence.
Post update
Niall McGinn is the man to have a pop but Hayes might be on the next one as the ball sails harmlessly over the target.
Post update
Jonny Hayes and Niall McGinn are over the ball as Aberdeen win a free kick 25 yards from goal...
Post update
Aberdeen are a bit sloppy dealing with a terrible throw-in from the hosts and a loose defensive header falls to Juffo, who hits a a shot from 18 yards straight at Danny Ward.
Post update
Now I don't want to tempt fate but this Schkendija side do not look up to much. Aberdeen look far more comfortable in possession as Willo Flood turns on the edge of the penalty area and hammers a shot high over the crossbar.
Post update
Aberdeen forward Niall McGinn cuts in from the left and decides to let fly, with his shot bouncing into the side-netting.
Join the debate at #bbcscotfootball
St Johnstone's David Wotherspoon on Twitter: "Disappointing result but still plenty football left to play. Great to see Saints fans across supporting us. #COYS"
Post update
Jim Spence, our man in Skopje has gone quiet - perhaps for the first time in his life. WiFi issues at the stadium apparently, so you'll need to make do with my ramblings for now...
Post update
Aberdeen are having a good wee spell as Andrew Considine shells a long throw-in into a crowded penalty area. The towering Ash Taylor gets his head to the ball but his flick goes high and wide of the target.
Post update
Dons boss Derek McInnes, normally a portrait of calm, races to the touchline in a fury as Graeme Shinnie breaks and is caught up in a tangle with the last defender. The foul mysteriously going to the hosts.
Post update
It's been a bit scruffy so far but the signs are that it will be an open game, with both sides looking to get forward. An Aberdeen attack is brought to a halt as Andrew Considine is punished for a bit of shoving at the back post.
Post update
Aberdeen win a corner and it's worked low to skipper Ryan Jack but his scuffed shot is easily gathered by the goalkeeper.
KICK-OFF
We're off and the hosts waste no time getting forward, with Junior, one of two Brazilians in the side, taking a tumble in the penalty box under pressure from Shay Logan. Play is waved on...
Post update
The teams are out and the home side are looking sharp in AC Milan-style red and black stripes, with the Dons in their white away tops.
Post update
Some of the Aberdeen players test the bench out ahead of kick off, which is just few minutes away now. Kenny McLean, Barry Robson, David Goodwillie and Paul Quinn are among those not in the starting XI.
Post update
The winner after next Thursday's second leg at Pittodrie will face Rijeka of Croatia in the second qualifying round.
Post update
Shkendija, established in 1979 as a club for players and fans of Albanian descent, are in their fourth consecutive season in European football but have yet to win a tie.
Aberdeen had a decent stab at qualifying last season, beating Daugava Riga of Latvia and Dutch Cup winners Groningen before losing to Spanish side Real Sociedad.
LINE-UPS
Shkendija Tetovo: Jovanovski, Dzemaili, Cuculi, Alimi, Demiri, Polozani, Todorovski, Junior, Juffo, Vrucina, Hasani. Subs: Azizi, Bejtulai, Demir Imeri, Demir Imeri, Kirovski, Bojku, Besar, Totre.
Aberdeen: Ward, Logan, Taylor, Reynolds, Considine, Flood, Jack, Shinnie, Hayes, McGinn, Rooney. Subs: Brown, McLean, Smith, Robson, Goodwillie, Pawlett, Quinn.
Referee: Tolga Ozkalfa (Turkey)
Post update
Jim Spence
BBC Scotland at the Philip II Arena, Skopje
"A velvet blue sky overhead with perhaps three thousand or so in at the moment, with Aberdeen's intrepid couple of hundred fans making plenty of noise fortified by beer at just over one pound a pint."
Post update
The Dons have around 200 supporters with them for a match switched to the capital city from Schkendija's home town of Tetovo.
These guys certainly look like they are enjoying themselves...
Join the debate at #bbcscotfootball
Jim Spence
BBC Scotland at the Philip II Arena, Skopje
"White tops red shorts and red and white socks for the Dons tonight. A mix of home and away kit."
Post update
Summer signings Graeme Shinnie and Danny Ward make their competitive debuts, with the former Inverness skipper set for a midfield role and the on-loan Liverpool keeper preferred to Scott Brown and Jamie Langfield.
Post update
Aberdeen starting XI: Ward, Logan, Taylor, Reynolds, Considine, Flood, Jack, Shinnie, Hayes, McGinn, Rooney.
Post update
St Johnstone's Murray Davidson has had wretched luck with injury in recent years and manager Tommy Wright is worried that the midfielder may have suffered knee ligament damage.
Post update
The Dons are not the only Scottish team involved at this stage. Earlier today, St Johnstone lost out 1-0 against Alashkert in Armenia, with the Perth side turning in a very disappointing performance.
Post update
Wimbledon is in it's first week and The Open is still 10 days away but the new football season is already upon us. Aberdeen players have had their summer holiday cut short again as they bid to qualify for the Europa League.
Good evening and welcome to our coverage of Aberdeen's visit to the Macedonian capital of Skopje to take on Schkendija.