This Thursday the Aberdeen U20’s will take on Hibernian in the 2018 Scottish Youth Cup Final. It’s the first time any young Dons side have reached a cup final since 2003 and Paul Sheerin’s lads have a fantastic opportunity to write their names into the Aberdeen history books. The club are chasing a fourth Youth Cup win, with the last coming in 2001 and a win would also stop Hibernian completing a league and cup double.
We take a look at the team’s journey to Hampden.
Third Round: Edusport 0-6 Aberdeen
The Dons got their campaign off to the perfect start with a comfortable win in the first ever meeting with Edusport Academy in Glasgow. The game was as good as over by half time as four goals in ten minutes had The Dons flying. David Dangana and Frank Ross combined before Chris Antoniazzi scored twice in a minute to put the tie beyond doubt in the first period. After the interval Daniel Harvie got in on the act to make it five and in stoppage time Frank got his second of the match to ease Paul Sheerin’s side into the last-16.
Fourth Round: Hamilton Accies 2-4 Aberdeen
This was the second meeting in as many days between the sides in Lanarkshire, with Accies winning the league clash 1-0. It was a much stronger line up for the cup-tie for Aberdeen although the game started off in the worst possible manner. In the 25th minute Harlain Mbayo was ordered off for a last-man tackle and Accies scored from the free kick. It looked like the hosts would take control, but they were pegged back when Bruce Anderson was upended in the box. Bruce took the resulting penalty and The Dons were back in it. Then just before half time the game was turned on it’s head as Frank Ross put Aberdeen ahead. Accies weren’t prepared to give up on the cup after the interval and they were awarded a penalty of their own which Cunningham took to double his and the hosts’ tally. The drama didn’t stop there as Accies were reduced to ten to level the playing field. Two minutes later Ryan Harrington struck a stunning effort from distance into the top corner to give Aberdeen the lead again and this time they made it count as Toby Wells finished the tie off in the 88th minute by pouncing on a rebound to put The Dons through. A fantastic victory against one of the strongest teams at this level.
Quarter-Final: Aberdeen 2-1 Ross County
North Lodge Park in Pitmedden played host to the Quarter-Final and as expected was a close affair. A healthy crowd came out to show their support for the young lads and their efforts were rewarded early on when Ethan Ross popped up at the back post to put The Dons ahead after five minutes with a lovely diving header from a rebound. Last season’s Development League Champions were never going to be easy to see off and they equalised in the 18th minute after a curling free kick from Ashmore levelled the scoring. There was little to separate the sides in the second half and the feeling was the next goal would win it and thankfully it was Aberdeen that got it. Just after the hour mark Sam Roscoe bulleted a header into the back of the net from a corner and The Dons were ahead again. What followed was a terrific last 30 minutes from Paul Sheerin’s team and they battled for every ball to secure their place in the last four of the competition.
Semi-Final: Kilmarnock 0-3 Aberdeen
Over a month had passed since the Ross County tie when The Dons travelled to Rugby Park to take on Kilmarnock and the task was simple, win and the club were in their first Youth Cup final for 15 years. Paul Sheerin was able to call upon the services of Frank Ross and Harlain Mbayo who are on development loans at Morton and Albion Rovers respectfully, which added experience to The Dons side. Bruce Anderson lead the line on the day and he opened the scoring after eight minutes after coolly slotting home from inside the box and Aberdeen never looked back. The hosts were then left with an even more difficult task when Killie’s top scorer, Alex Samizadeh was given a straight red for punching Toby Wells and the incident was spotted by the Assistant Referee. The Dons were in total control for the remainder of the half and could have added to the score. After the break Kilmarnock made more of a fight of it and had opportunities, but Anderson soon made their task even more difficult. Miko Virtanen won possession in the final third and passed it to Seb Ross. The midfielder then unselfishly played in Bruce and he slammed home to double the advantage. That goal knocked the stuffing out of Kilmarnock and The Dons were already looking to the final. Bruce was able to complete his hat-trick when he dispossessed a defender in the box and smashed a strike that the goalkeeper couldn’t keep out. An excellent afternoon for Bruce and everyone knew The Dons were through. There was an opportunity for a fourth, but captain Seb Ross saw his penalty kick saved and The Dons had to settle for three, but that didn’t matter, and Aberdeen had clinched a day out at the national stadium.
