Fraserburgh 3 Aberdeen Development XI 1 Bellslea Park Saturday 27 June

Testimonial man Scott Barbour was the star of the show as the Highland League side beat a young Dons team this afternoon at Bellslea Park.

The home side started the stronger playing down the hill and Logan Watt opened the scoring after 10 minutes. Teasdale then had a good chance to equalise but experienced keeper Joe Barbour made a very good block. The keeper then managed to clear the danger with his feet despite the close attention of Andrew Fasanya.

Just after the 20 minute mark Scott Barbour then scored with one of his trademark long range specials. Picking the ball up on the left he turned and with a first time shot curled the ball into the top hand corner from about 25 yards out. A superb goal. Theo Simpson had no chance. It was similar to the memorable strike he scored at Pittodrie a few years ago.

Aberdeen regrouped and deservedly got back into the game just before half time when Andrew Fasanya showed great strength to break free and good composure to slot past the advancing keeper.

But a minute later, slack play at the back resulted in a penalty for Fraserburgh. Barbour took it but blasted the ball the ball over. We will be kind to Scott and say the wind caught it!

HT: Fraserburgh 2 Aberdeen 1

Aberdeen, playing down the hill and with the wind at their backs, started the second half strongly but apart from a couple of long range efforts, they could not find a way through a well organised defence. At the other end Simpson made a fine save from former Don Lewis Duncan who had a good performance against his former side.

On the hour mark, and against the run of play, Fraserburgh added a third to kill the game. The ball was played in from the left and Barbour produced a fine header which hit the bar and bounced over the line.

Both teams then made a number of changes which slowed the momentum of the match. Stuart Duff's young side kept going though and after a strong rally Teasdale was very unlucky to see a header come off the bar late on.

Congratulations to Scott on his well deserved testimonial and best wishes to Fraserburgh FC for the season ahead.

FT: Fraserburgh 3 Aberdeen 1

Development Phase coach Stuart Duff spoke after the game:

“Coming into the match we knew there were going to be technical aspects that were going to be behind our standards if you like, but on a warm day on a sticky dry pitch, I thought it was a really good exercise for us. Everyone hit the numbers we targeted them to hit so that was pleasing and some of our play at times was encouraging, but that side of it will come.

“First pre-season game, against a top Highland League side, we weren’t too concerned with the result today. We were more concerned about the physical aspect. What was pleasing was at times the boys took ownership of the rotations and the style of play. On a better surface further into pre-season we will see a lot more of that. But it was not something we have worked on the past couple of weeks. The players were given a bit of a free reign, so I was very encouraged by some things. Obviously, there is a lot to work as well but that is to be expected at this stage.”

The final word from Stuart went to Scott Barbour.

“Throughout his time in the Highland League Scott has been a goalscorer. Even today he showed how big a threat he is. Today is his day and we are happy to be part of that. Whilst as I say, it also being a very useful exercise for ourselves. Hopefully he goes on to a terrific day and gets all the plaudits be deserves.”

STATS

Fraserburgh: 1. Joe Barbour, 3. Bryan Hay, 4. Jamie Maclellan, 6. Paul Young, 8. William West, 11. Scott Barbour, 12. Will Sim, 14. Logan Watt, 16. Greg Buchan, 18. Flynn McKay, 24. Lewis Duncan

Substitutes: 21. Edward Flinn, 23. Andy Reid, 2. Findlay Stephen, 9. Ryan Cowie, 10. Liam Strachan, 17. Sean Butcher, 19. Alex Gibb, 20. Joshua Hawkins, 26. Matthew Mahoney, 27. Angus Robbie, 28. Alexander Johnston, 29. Ewan Taylor

Aberdeen: 1. Theo Simpson, 3. Dylan Ross, 4. Lewis Carrol, 5. Joel Okhuoya (Jarvie 63'), 7. Alfie Stewart, 8. Aaron Cummings (Henderson 63'), 9. Joseph Teasdale, 10. Zak To (Gauld 68'), 11. Jack Searle, 12. Andrew Fasanya, 16. Sam Mclean (Pocklington 63')

Substitutes: 20. Conlan Waldron, 14. Kai Gauld, 17. Max Pocklington, 18. James Jarvie 19. Jay Henderson

GOALs: Watt 11' Barbour 20' 60' Fasanya 42'