The Aberdeen U20s, or Colts side as they are referred to in the IRN-BRU Cup, made it through to the second round for the second year running after an extremely hard fought victory over fellow Development League side St Johnstone at Brechin.  

Motherwell, Ross County, Hearts, Partick Thistle and Hamilton Accies are the other U20 teams still in the competition after the first round of games.

Aberdeen U20 Coach Paul Sheerin spoke to RedTV after the win on Tuesday night:

“We stressed the importance before the game of this being a cup tie and the result being the main thing. The main aim was to be in the draw on Thursday and we have managed that.

“I thought we started the game well, we passed it around, probably fell into the trap of over passing it and causing ourselves problems through that. I am not going to deny we took a battering in the second half but I was really pleased with the way the back four stood up to it.

“I was really pleased with the clean sheet

“Balls coming in the box, we got our heads on everything and made ourselves difficult to break down as a team and as a back five including David. He had to make one very good save in the second half.

“I know we can play better.

“We have shown that during pre-season with some of our performances in some of the games.

“There is plenty of things to work on again as there always is with the young ones but as long as they are willing to learn that is the most important thing.

“It was a great goal from Frank. He showed a lot of tenacity. Franks desire to get on the end of it and that comes on the back of Connor’s desire to stick his head on there in-swinging corner. He did not know what was coming behind him and he was brave. From that we got the break of the ball and Frank does the rest from there. He showed what a talent he can be.

“Bruce Anderson worked hard for us up front. He is always willing. He is a pest to central defenders and makes it difficult for them. We probably could have done with better quality up to him at times but he will always chase everything and as a coach I know we will always get something out of him. He was battered and bruised but he keeps going and going. He has a great mentality for the game. He is a great foil for us up front. He really works hard but he can also score goals when we provide more quality for him.

“Scott McKenna, since I have come into the club, he has been a colossus at times. I love what he brings. I love his attitude as a young footballer. He is always willing to learn. He is always working hard at his game. He always wants to be better and that is what we need throughout the academy and up to U20 level and beyond. Hopefully that will stand him in good stead for the future. It would be nice to see him involved with the first team but it is such a difficult position to play young players.

“Daniel Harvie was also very good at the back.

“With the draw on Thursday we will just take whatever comes. It is going to be a major test whatever happens. That has been shown the past couple of nights with the results. Celtic, Hibs and Rangers going out. It is tough at this level but it is good for the boys to see that it is not all plain sailing when go down the levels. It is a tough place to play your football.

“The players have to be willing to learn from the experience. Last year we learned a lot after playing Forfar. Sam got sent off early on and it was then a very tough night although I thought we acquitted ourselves excellently. We will just take whatever comes and will prepare as well as we can and see where it takes us.

The draw will take place on Thursday at 1pm. It is LIVE on the SPFL facebook page.