match report
SPL U20 League | Aberdeen U20 2 Ross County U20 1 | Balmoor Stadium, Peterhead | 2pm KO
This was a game of two half’s. In the first the young Dons struggled to get into the game and also struggled to deal with a strong wind. In the second half they started to pass the ball and before long looked like the side that will almost certainly now finish second in the Clydesdale Bank Youth League after this 2-1 win.
During the first period Ross County played very well and did not let the Dons settle. They battled hard and were very well organised. None of the Aberdeen players were given any time on the ball.
The visitors took the lead on 25 minutes from a corner. The ball was swung in and Mackillop, unmarked, rose highest to plant an excellent header into the net. County might even have gone into the break two ahead had it not been for Danny Rogers. The Irish keeper pulled off a brilliant save from a free kick.
At the other end, despite the poor performance, Aberdeen still had chances. Neil Cooper’s side always creates chances. Shortly after going behind McKenna had a chance to score from a corner but his header went over. McManus had two half chances and Jamie Masson did well on the edge of the box but pulled his shot just wide.
After some strong words from Neil Cooper at the break Aberdeen came out a different side although they also had a strong wind behind them. Nicky Low started to influence the game and Gibbons and Storie in midfield also started to take control.
The Dons got back on level terms thanks to an excellent finish from the right back Craig Murray. As usual the full back never stopped running all afternoon which always gave Aberdeen an outlet on the right hand side. On 58 minutes he made another great run, played a one two with Jamie Masson who held the ball up well and then Murray beat the keeper with a great finish.
Two minutes later the Dons were ahead when Declan McManus scored his 25th goal of the season. It was a typical Declan goal, he put pressure on the last defender, tackled him and then his pace took him clear. Although one on one with the keeper, he still had a lot to do but finished brilliantly from a tight angle.
Aberdeen then had chances to increase their lead. McKenna again headed over from a corner, Storie had a shot cleared off the line and Declan had another one on one with the keeper but his shot was weak.
The young Dons final game of the season is away to Inverness CT on Monday.
RedTV | Neil Cooper Post Match Reaction please click here
Team: Rogers, Murray, Duguid, Gibbons, McKenna, Rumsby, O’Neill, Storie, McManus, Masson, Low
Subs: Macaulay, Campanile, Hamilton, Ferries, Szemis
