Aberdeen FC U14’s went across to Belgium to compete in the Legea Cup held on Saturday May 28th 2016. Hosted by local team Lommel United, the competition boasted some top academies from across Europe including the likes of Sparta Rotterdam, K.R.C Genk, and Sporting Liège.
Aberdeen were drawn in Group 4 with academies from both Finland and Belgium and it was to be a real stern test for the youngsters to try and finish in the top 2 of the group and qualify for the top section.
The first game they faced was against Belgian academy K. Sint Truidense VV at 9.30am. With matches only being 20 minutes long Aberdeen knew they needed at fast start in order to be successful. They had the early upper hand in the game, dominating possession and creating some half chances and it was Lewis Duncan, who had threatened early on, who got the opening goal of the tournament with a superb solo effort. Aberdeen held on well and went on to win the first game 1-0. With a wee break in between games Aberdeen had the c hance to view their second opponents, Finnish academy OLS, while sitting under some much needed shade! With the Finns losing to Belgian side KAS Eupen, Aberdeen went in to their second game knowing that a win would put them in an excellent position to gain qualification for the quarter finals. The game started very much like the previous, fast paced with Aberdeen creating some half chances. The Finns did play their part creating some scary moments for the Dons, however with 10 minutes played and only 10 to go Aberdeen won a corner which saw the ‘big boys’ from the back come up, and with that, a superb delivery from Tyler Alexander placed the ball right on to Kyle Dalling’s head and the centre half duly applied the finish. Aberdeen again held on to win their second match 1-0.
With another break until their third match Aberdeen watched their third opponents KAS Eupen knowing that if the Belgian side didn’t win, they would go through top of the group. With the Belgians winning 1-0, Aberdeen started their warm up for their final encounter, which was briefly interrupted as a goal had been scored by KAS Eupen’s opponents STVV, with Aberdeen celebrating the goal like it was one of their own. The match finished 1-1 and Aberdeen knew that in the final group game, the pressure was off as they went through to the top section, top of the group.
The final game against KAS Eupen ended 0-0 with some good chances at both ends which neither team could take, and that saw the end of the group stages in the morning with three very professional performances from Aberdeen which saw them come out on top of the group without a single goal conceded!
After lunch it was quarter final time with Aberdeen facing the team that finished 2nd place in group C, Sparta Rotterdam. The Dons knew that the Dutch side would be tough opposition but remained confident of their chances. Aberdeen created a couple of half chances however it was Sparta Rotterdam who dominated proceedings with a couple of good chances missed. The game finished 0-0 and it was on to penalties! There was only 3 penalties to decide the winner, Lewis Duncan and Max Barry both scored their respective spot kicks for the Dons and after a fantastic save from Tom Ritchie it was up to Lewis Youngson who stepped up to score and secure the win for the Dons. Cue wild celebrations from both players and parents!
Aberdeen were in to the semi-finals and faced Dutch side Almere City after they beat Standard Liège in their quarter final. By the time the players got to this game; they were understandably tired having played in sweltering heat all day, something they’re not used to up in the north of Scotland. From the start of the match the Dutch side showed their class as they dominated possession and had a couple of early chances, but although the pressure was mounting Aberdeen took the lead through Kevin Hanratty, as another terrific Tyler Alexander corner found the striker unmarked in the 6 yard box and he nodded home. Almere didn’t sit back though and with 5 minutes to go they equalised. Only 2 minutes after that and in the dying minutes of the game the Dutch side went ahead with a well worked goal and with only 1 minute left on the clock, Aberdeen piled men forward in search of an equaliser, and almost got one in the dying seconds when the ball fell amongst a mass of bodies in the 6-yard box to Connor Barron whose shot was well blocked on the line from the Almere defence. The game finished 2-1 and Aberdeen went in to the 3rd place playoff instead of the final.
After putting in a tremendous amount of work and effort the boys showed great character to build themselves up again as they faced K.R.C Genk in the 3rd place playoff. The game was very flat with both teams perhaps still licking their wounds from their semi-final results. However Aberdeen were the better team and a Kieran Shanks rocket from 30 yards crashed against the bar. There were chances for both Lewis Duncan and Connor Barron to score however the game finished 0-0 and again Aberdeen had to face penalties! This time Max Barry and Kevin Hanratty both scored their penalties however, the K.R.C. Genk keeper produced a magnificent save to deny Lewis Duncan and Genk went on to win the tie scoring all three penalties.
Both coaches and parents were very proud of all the boys efforts through a long, hot day and The Dons finished in 4th place, with Belgian side KV Mechelen winning the tournament beating Almere City in the final.
Well done Lads!
Aberdeen FC would like to extend their thanks to hosts Lommel United for the invitation to participate in the prestigious tournament and for their excellent hopsilatility.
Thanks also to parents of players and the following sponsors: Add Acountancy Golden Tree Elaine Reid Sparrows Offshore ADTV Services MFV Artemis WY809 MFV Faithful FR129 MFV Gratitude BF103 MFV Heather Sprig BCK181 MFV Sunlight Ray BF101 Fraserburgh Inshore Fishermen Ltd Fraserburgh Trawlers Ltd CAMM Fishing Ltd Blue Anchor Fire and Safety Equipment Ltd Maritime Insurance Brokers Ltd KR Steel Springfield Bar
