Montrose 3-1 Aberdeen Development Side Links Park The KDM Evolution Trophy | Matchday 3 Saturday 6th September 2025
Aberdeen’s Development squad made the trip to Links Park to face Montrose in The KDM Evolution Trophy. The young Dons entered the clash still searching for their first points in the competition finding. Montrose on the other hand came into this one hot off back-to-back wins in this competition and in the league and cup. The hosts were aiming to make it three from three and take the top spot in the revamped tournament.
The Dons made a bright start in Montrose, taking an early lead through Ryan Duncan’s strike. But the hosts hit back before the interval, first levelling through Evan Towler before Ewan Loudon’s spectacular scorpion kick turned the game on its head before the break. Graham Webster’s second-half free-kick added the breathing space needed to claim the three points.
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Montrose kicked things off, but it was the young Dons who carved out the first opening of the afternoon. A marauding Dylan Lobban carry and cut-back found Tristan Stephen lurking inside the box, but the striker’s effort brushed narrowly wide of Cameron Gill’s post.
The breakthrough came after just five minutes, again down the right-hand side. Aflie Stewart drove forward before flicking the ball into Tristan Stephen, who laid it off for Sam McLean in the box. McLean returned it to Ryan Duncan, who unleashed a thunderous strike into the top right, capping off an excellent passage of play from Stuart Duff’s side.
Bolstered by the opener, the Dons settled into their rhythm, dictating play with relative ease and controlling possession. Montrose were forced to chase, and it wasn’t until the 17th minute that they registered their first attempt as Connor May fired high from range.
The home side did find themselves back in the game though, undoing the Dons’ defence with a unique set-piece routine. Michael Tisder’s disguised pass to Lewis Gibson gave the winger the time to curl his cross to the back post, where Evan Towler was at hand to nod in, levelling things 32 minutes in.
Capitalising on their momentum, the Mo’ struck again, and in superb fashion. Matheus Machado’s cross into the box was met acrobatically by Ewan Loudon, who produced a stunning scorpion kick, catching out everyone, especially Theo Simpson, who could do nothing but stand rooted as the ball floated past him into the top left corner.
With that, the sides went into the interval with Montrose holding the advantage.
Half Time: Montrose FC 2 – 1 Aberdeen Development XI
The Mo’ began the second period much faster than the first, calling Simpson into action early following Loudon and May’s link-up.
McLean made his presence known, riding three challenges to begin a Dons attack. The youngster played through Teasdale, who unselfishly returned the 1-2, but McLean’s effort flew over the crossbar.
McLean would continue to impact things, earning his side a free kick which he stood over, striking low and forcing a diving save from Gill. But the free kick he would give away in the 66th minute would change the state of affairs. Andrew Steeves and Graham Webster stood over it with the captain kindly rolling the ball to his forward, who curled in the third for the hosts.
Now settled, Montrose had something to hold onto, showing slightly more conservatism for the final 15 minutes. Despite this, Blair Lyons found himself in the clear with seven left on the clock. Simpson would provide a vital save, getting low and smartly stopping with his feet to keep the scoreline down, a fine moment for the 16-year-old.
Looking for a late goal, the Dons floated in crosses at the death, but the hosts dealt with everything thrown at them, on their way to pick up another three points in this competition.
Full Time: Montrose FC 3 – 1 Aberdeen Development XI
Montrose FC: 1. Cameron Gill, 4. Aidan Quinn (C), 7. Graham Webster, 9. Ewan Loudon (Lyons 63’). 10. Lewis Gibson (Steeves 45’), 14. Sean Dillon, 16. Connor May (Williamson 68’), 17. Evan Towler, 19. Michael Tidser (Sandilands 63’), 22. Craig Brown, 23. Matheus Machado (Clark 76’)
Substitutes: 21. Campbell Millar, 2. Ryan Williamson, 3. Andrew Steeves, 8. Callum Sandilands, 11. Blair Lyons, 15. Harry Craig, 18. Craig Smith, 20. Keir Bertie, 24. Ross Clark
Bookings: Steeves 87’
Goals: Towler 32’ Loudon 38’, Webster 66’
Aberdeen: 20. Theo Simpson, 2. Dylan Lobban (C), 3. Dylan Ross, 4. Lewis Carrol, 8. Alfie Stewart (Green 76’), 9. Joseph Teasdale, 10. Tristan Stephen, 12. Aaron Cummings (To 63’), 16. Sam McLean, 17. Noah McDonnell (Searle 67’), 23. Ryan Duncan
Substitutes: 1. Conlan Waldron, 11. Zak To, 14. Jack Searle, 15. Oliver Green, 18 Heath Duncan
Goals: Duncan 5’
