match report

Clydesdale Bank Youth League | Dunfermline Athletic 0 v 1 Aberdeen | East End Park | 2.00pm KO

O’Sullivan 78 mins

Aberdeen this afternoon had a good hard fought victory over Dunfermline at East End Park.

The game was played in a very strong wind and on a lively pitch so it was difficult for both teams to play much football. Players were having to take an extra touch to get the ball under control and this prevented the young Dons from playing their usual free-flowing football.

The Dons lined up with Rogers in goal, Murray at right back with Rumsby and McKenna in central defence and Duguid at left back. Jamie Masson captained the side from the right side of midfield, with Storie and Gibbons in the centre and O’Neill on the left. Declan McManus was partnered with Alan O’Sullivan upfront.

In the first half there were few chances at either end. The home side were probably the better side but they failed to cause Danny Rogers too many problems. There was a couple of shots from distance but the keeper saved comfortably. On a difficult day for goalkeepers, Danny’s handling was once again excellent throughout.

After the break Neil Cooper’s side started on the front foot and took control of the game. When Gibbons, Storie and Masson started to dominate the midfield area they then had two great chances to score when first, the ball fell to Stephen O’Neill after the ball squared in the box. However the impressive winger was unable to score. Then Kieran Gibbons went through on goal but the keeper saved. At the other end Dunfermline had the odd chance on the break and Craig Duguid did very well at the back post to cut out one opportunity.

Just as the Dons were about to make a change, with just over ten minutes to go, they took the lead. Craig Murray in the right back area found Declan McManus. The Scotland U19 Internationalist beat his man and then squared it to Alan O’Sullivan and the Irish striker produced an excellent right foot shot to find the net. It was the strikers’ last touch as he was then replaced by Marcus Campanile.

In the closing stages Aberdeen could have extended their lead. Jamie Masson had an excellent run when he beat two defenders and got to the byline. He cut the ball back for Gibbons and he was unlucky to see his effort hit the post.

In the final few minutes Dunfermline won a free kick in a dangerous area when Scott Rumsby was penalised for a challenge on the edge of the area. Thankfully for Aberdeen the ball was deflected behind for a corner. The referee blew for full time shortly after that.

Neil Cooper spoke to RedWeb after the game “It was a game of two halves. They were the better side during the first period but we the better side after the break. It was a very tough game and great credit must go to the Dunfermline boys. There is a lot going on at the club at this moment in time because of the financial situation but they have had a good season and have reached the final of the SFA Youth Cup. We beat them 4-1 at Brechin earlier in the season but it was also a hard game that day and the scoreline maybe flattered us a bit that day.

“It is important for the boys education to win these tough away games. You cannot just turn up and expect to win a game. You have to earn the right to win a game of football. First of all you have to show a good attitude and then after that it is up to you to show your quality and keep your concentration.

“I thought Scott Rumsby was our best player today. Scott McKenna who was playing alongside him also had another good game and there were a number of other good performances in the second half considering the conditions.”

Team: Rogers, Murray, Duguid, Gibbons, McKenna, Rumsby, Masson, Storie, McManus, O’Sullivan (Campanile 78), O’Neill Subs: Macaulay, Hamilton, McMahon, Ferries

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