CAS Under 18 Elite League – Cormack Park – 14th March 2025
Aberdeen 3 Kilmarnock 1
A dominant first half performance from Aberdeen’s Under 18s laid the foundation for a 3-1 win against Kilmarnock at Cormack Park. Goals from Fletcher Boyd, Josie Teasdale and Zak To had the home side three up at the break. Ellis Clark provided assists for all three goals. An improved showing from the visitors in the second period saw them rewarded with a deflected Burke goal but it proved to be only a consolation, thanks to some fine saves from Rodrigo Vitols, as Aberdeen moved to third in the table.
Report
The first post-split fixture of the 2024-25 Under 18 League season pitched fourth v third as Aberdeen welcomed Kilmarnock to Cormack Park, the sides having comprehensively won their home games against each other in the earlier phase of the competition. The visitors, who trail leaders Rangers by three points are hunting for a double, having won through to the final of the Youth Cup where they will meet Dundee.
The Dons also have title ambitions, being just four points off top spot, as they aim for back to back League successes following last season’s great campaign.
The home side showed three changes from the eleven who started against Queens Park last week, Tristan Stephen, Oliver Green and Sam Payne dropping to the bench to make way for Lewis Carrol, returning from suspension, Fletcher Boyd and Ellis Clark.
A bright start from the Dons should have seen them ahead after only four minutes but Josie Teasdale was unable to convert Dylan Ross’s cross following a fine Crossfield ball from Cooper Masson. Keeper Mullen came to Killie’s rescue seven minutes later as he prevented Lewis Carrol converting Fletcher Boyd’s pass.
The opening goal looked inevitable for the Dons and it duly arrived on 13 minutes, Ellis Clark’s excellent through ball finished neatly by Boyd. One swiftly became two as Teasdale notched his 16th of the campaign on 17 minutes, Clark again the architect of the goal.
Zak To came close on a couple of occasions then Clark saw a powerful drive whistle inches past as they Dons threatened to run amok.
Two minutes before the break, Clark’s corner from the left was fumbled by the keeper and To was in the right place to scramble the ball in for number three.
Half time – Aberdeen 3 Kilmarnock 0
Sam McLean replace Boyd at the break and the sub was the first man to produce anything of note in a far more even and competitive second half. Jack Searle produced a quality cross from the right and Mullen did well to block McLean’s downward header with his legs.
Killie’s Cooper and Lewis Carrol were booked midway through the half before Orr and Simpson came on to bolster the visitors’ push for something to show for their improved efforts in the second period.
Sub McLean had to be replaced by Oliver Green after suffering a knock then with six minutes of the regulation 90 remaining a speculative strike from Cole Burke deflected off Ellis Clark to wrongfoot Rodrigo Vitols to deny the Dons skipper a clean sheet.
The keeper produced a couple of brilliant blocks in the final ten minutes to prevent a nervous finish.
Over the piece a deserved win for the Dons but Kilmarnock showed in the second period just why their season so far has been one of more highs than lows.
Full time –Aberdeen 3 Kilmarnock 1
Stats:
Teams:- Aberdeen:- Vitols, Ross, Carrol, Henderson, Clark, Masson, Boyd (McLean 46 (Green 77)), Teasdale, Searle (Stephen 84), To (Chikomo 90), McDonnell. Unused substitute:- Douglas (GK).
Kilmarnock:- Mullen, Eaglesham (Orr 76), Spence (Simpson 76), Feeney, Martin, Davis, McMillan, Cooper, McKeown, Marchant (C), Burke. Unused substitute:- Watson.
Goals: Aberdeen – Boyd 13, Teasdale 17, To 43. Kilmarnock – Burke 84.
Yellow cards: Aberdeen – Carrol 74, McDonnell 88. Kilmarnock – Cooper 69.
Referee – James Coull; Assistants – Miller McKay and Lewis Bell.
