This Friday sees The Dons take on Rangers in the Semi-Final of the Scottish Youth Cup at Balmoral Stadium, Cove. It’s been another excellent campaign for Aberdeen as they look for a return to the national stadium following last season’s run to the final. To do that they must overcome Rangers, who have already beaten Scott Anderson and Barry Robson’s side this season.

Kick off at Balmoral Stadium is 2pm and we would encourage as much support for the young Dons as they aim to reach the prestigious Youth Cup Final for the second year running.

Entry is free although if you can’t make the match make sure to tune into our social media coverage as well as reaction post-match.

A View From The Dressing Room

Ethan Ross

“The aim for the U18s is to win the cup because a team like Aberdeen should be getting far in the cup. The cup feels a bit different because when we were 0-0 at Motherwell and the clock ticked down we knew one goal was going to be enough so there was a real determination. We did that and managed to hold out until the end thanks to my left foot.

“At the start all you’re thinking is taking it game by game, but Paul did say last season that it had been too long since an Aberdeen side had reached the Youth Cup Final. With each passing game you add the belief that you’ve got a chance. We made it to the final, but just fell at the last hurdle. We had a really good team last year and hopefully we can replicate.”

Conor Power

“We’ve taken it very seriously as this game is the most important one other than the final. We’re confident we can do it.

“The thought of getting the boys back to Hampden is a great incentive after losing in the final last season. We were also in the stands for the League Cup Final in December and now we know we’re only 90 minutes away from walking out on that pitch.”

Connor Barron

“It was great for the boys last year. We’ve got the chance to do well in both competitions, plus there’s the Semi-Final of the Reserve League Cup to look forward to on Monday. It would be amazing to be part of a winning team and hopefully we can get something by the end of the season.”

 The Journey So Far

Second Round | Inverurie Locos

The Dons kicked off their Youth Cup campaign with the short visit to Inverurie Locos. Despite the gulf in stature, the hosts made it difficult for The Dons at times, but they were able to get the job done with a 5-0 victory thanks to goals from Ethan Ross, Kieran Shanks, Connor Barron (Moment of the month winner), Michael Dangana and Kevin Hanratty.

Third Round | Motherwell

The last-16 draw promised to be a much stiffer test for the Dons U18s as they faced Motherwell at Excelsior Stadium in Airdrie. In heavy rain The Dons battled away and as the clock ticked down it looked as though extra time and beyond would have to settle. Thankfully the captain popped up with a big moment as Ethan Ross netted a rare left footed effort to send The Dons through.

Quarter-Final | Kilmarnock

Aberdeen were finally drawn at home for the first time in the cup and a healthy crowd turned out at Balmoral Stadium for the last eight tie against Kilmarnock. Once again The Dons turned to their skipper for the inspirational moments and Ethan Ross had them ahead inside 15 minutes finishing off a good team move. In truth The Dons should have been out of sight by half time, but Killie found a way back into the game just before the break.

The Dons came out the traps well and Ross won a penalty on the hour mark, which he took and made no mistake. They were made to defend well for the remainder of the game, but their class showed and were able to hold on and book their place in another Semi-Final.

Good luck to the players for the big match and come on you reds!