Five star Dons down United

Dundee United 0 Aberdeen U18s 5

Club Academy Scotland U18 Elite League

Foundation Park

20 September 2024

Four second half goals combined with an early opener from Joseph Teasdale ensured Aberdeen Under 18s ran out as convincing winners away at Dundee United on Friday afternoon.

Teasdale fired his side in front after just five minutes, before a flurry of goals from Fraser Mackie, Ellis Clark and a Fletcher Boyd double wrapped up the points in style at Foundation Park.

Report

Scott Anderson named an unchanged side on the return to league action after a three-week break. There was a spot on the bench for Noah McDonnell, the defender eligible to make his first appearance for the Dons since signing in the Summer. Rodrigo Vitols took the armband for the trip to Foundation Park.

After a lively start it was Aberdeen who raced into an early lead in Dundee. Teasdale took a long ball over the top in his stride and powered a finish across Haldane from inside the box to give his side the advantage.

Cooper Masson came close to doubling the lead with an attempt on the half-volley from the edge of the box, his effort dragged wide.

Zak To was next to come close to a second, he was on the receiving end of Boyd’s perfectly weighted through ball after the midfielder danced through the United half and around a sea of Tangerine bodies – To’s effort denied only by the foot of Haldane.

A fortunate break of the ball inside the box created a big chance for Stirton from close range, Vitols thankfully equal to it. Just seconds later the ‘keepers slack distribution was picked up by Holt, his long-range attempt cannoning off the crossbar.

It was the hosts that were creeping more and more into the contest by the half hour mark. Lewis Carrol done well to get his body in the way of what looked a great chance from close range – before United rattled the post not long after.

A fairly eventful opening half hour petered out with a cagey end to the 45 and it was the Dons who went in ahead at the break.

Half-time Dundee United 0-1 Aberdeen.

Aberdeen started the second period strong and were inches away from winning a penalty when To was scythed down just outside the box, the United defender booked for his troubles. Clark’s effort found its way through a sea of bodies and on its way towards goal, Haldane able to just about palm it away.

To continued to impress as he weaved his way into the box as the Dons looked for a second goal, his final pass letting him down on this occasion and United able to scramble the ball to safety.

Boyd Teasdale and Mackie linked up well and almost forced an own goal with their quick play that forced the United defender to scoop the ball just wide of his own goal not long after.

From the corner Dylan Ross delivered a fantastic cross and with Mackie unmarked inside the six-yard box the Dons number nine cooly put a header beyond Haldane to finally double the Aberdeen lead after just over an hour of action. 0-2.

After 75 minutes two became three, this time Clark the scorer. It was all Aberdeen action, and the pressure culminated in an excellent goal from the midfielder who spun inside a crowded box and placed an effort beyond Haldane and into the back of the United net.

The goals were in full flow, and it was Boyd who made it four not long after. After initially doing well and squaring the ball for To who fluffed his lines, the Dons retained possession and Mackie eventually had a shot saved: Boyd waiting in the wings to tap home and put the Dons 4-0 to the good in Dundee.

Clark and To were replaced with two minutes left on the clock, Jack Searle and McDonnell introduced, the latter making his Dons debut.

There was time for one more at the death and it was Boyd who got his second of the afternoon and his sides fifth to wrap up the action and put the cherry on the cake on a successful days work on the road.

It really could have been six or seven come the close of play but United had Haldane to thank for some smart stops, and the Young Dons had to settle for the five goals.

Aaron Cummings was introduced right at the close of play for his first appearance at Under 18 level, he replaced Masson.

Next up in the league for the Under 18s is a trip to Lanarkshire to take on Hamilton at New Douglas Park on the 4th of October: Kick-off 2.30PM.