Aberdeen U20s V Hamilton Accies U20s

match report

Clydesdale Bank Youth League | Aberdeen 4 v 1 Hamilton Accies | 2.00pm KO | Balmour Stadium

Aberdeen U20s had another very good win against a spirited Hamilton Accies side this afternoon in Peterhead. The 4-1 scoreline was maybe a bit harsh on a talented Hamilton side but considering the young Dons were without Declan McManus and Cammy Smith who are both away with the Scotland U19 duty, this was a very impressive performance.

The Dons lined up with Twardzik in goal, Murray at right back with Rumsby and McKenna in central defence and Duguid at left back. The midfielders were O’Neill, Gibbons, Storie and Hamilton with Masson and O’Sullivan upfront.

Matthew McMahon and Scott Ferries, who have both had to battle back from long term injuries this season, both took a place on the bench. It was great to see both of them back.

The game started very slowly and neither team really got going. The first chance of the game fell to the visitors on 18 minutes. The impressive Ryan put a dangerous ball right across the face of goal but there were no takers. On 22 minutes the Dons won the first corner of the game. McKenna did well to win the ball in the air but his header just went over. A minute later the Dons right back Craig Murray cut inside and shot which forced the Hamilton keeper into a smart stop.

On 24 minutes Alan O’Sullivan produced a great powerful run from the half way line. He managed to get a shot in across the keeper but Christie made a great save diving low to his right. Two minutes later though the keeper could do nothing to stop Aberdeen taking the lead. Murray found O’Sullivan on the edge of the box and the striker did well to pick out Masson who then played in the unmarked Storie who then showed good composure to place the ball into the corner of the net.

After that Aberdeen enjoyed some good possession but on 39 minutes Scott McKenna had to make a great last ditch tackle to prevent the equaliser. The 17 year old had another very impressive performance and was only able to play because the Scotland u18 coach kindly agreed that he could play this afternoon as he is away on international duty with them.

On 41 minutes Jamie Hamilton had a fine run and link well with O’Neill but Stephen just over ran the ball after rounding the keeper. Then just before half time Aberdeen grabbed a second. Fine play again by Jamie Hamilton led to a corner. The ball was perfectly swung in by Hamilton and McKenna rose highest to bullet a header home from about 6 yards.

After the break Hamilton came out strongly and got their just rewards when they pulled a goal back. On 52 minutes the ball was played into the back post area. The ball took a nasty bounce and centre half Kilday and Twardzik went for the ball. Kilday just got their first and headed the ball home. You could not fault the keeper, who did not put a foot wrong throughout and looked very assured, as it was a very brave header.

At that point it looked like it was game on again as there had not been much between the side but only a couple of minutes later Aberdeen regained their two goal advantage. After a good move the ball was played across the face of goal by Masson and Storie was once again perfectly placed to force the ball home from about 7 yards.

On the hour mark there was a great fierce hit by Ryan from the edge of the area which was very well saved by Twardzik. On 65 minutes a very good positive mazy run by midfielder Gibbons led to an opening but his shot was comfortable for the keeper. Only a minute later the same had an even better run. Almost Messi like, he waltzed past the defence, coolly rounded the keeper before squaring the ball across the face of goal for Murray to tap in.

In the closing stages Aberdeen had chances to add to their lead. On the break substitute Campanile set up O’Sullivan but he hit the keeper when one on one. McKenna then headed over from the corner.

Aberdeen: Twardzik, Murray, Duguid, Gibbons, McKenna, Rumsby, Hamilton (Campanile 50), Storie, O’Sullivan, Masson, O’Neill Subs: Macaulay, Szemis, McMahon, Ferries.

Hamilton: Christie, McCue, Craig, El Zubaidi, Kilday, Lyon, Docherty, Watson, Ryan, Johnston, Brophy, Shaw Subs: Fraser, Martin, Harrison, Smith

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Please be advised of the following U20 match details which have now been confirmed:

MATCH: Dunfermline U20 v Aberdeen U20

COMPETITION: U20

DATE: Tuesday 16th April 2013

VENUE: East End Park

KICK-OFF: 2pm

MATCH: Aberdeen U20 v St Mirren U20

COMPETITION: SPL U20 League

DATE: Friday 19th April 2013

VENUE: Balmoor Stadium, Peterhead