Club Academy Scotland U18 League | Hearts U18’s 0-0 Aberdeen U18’s | Oriam | 24th August 2018
Aberdeen U18s started the season two weeks ago with a 1-0 over Motherwell and they followed that up with a battling draw against Hearts on Friday evening in Edinburgh.
Report
Despite the scoreline it was a very open 90 minutes with good chances at both ends.
In the first half, Ethan Ross crossed for Lewis Duncan and his header just went wide.
Lewis Duncan then hit the post in the second half, which was probably Aberdeen’s best chance of the game. Sean Linden also caused problems down the right hand side on a number of occasions.
Hearts though had several reasonable chances, forcing Tom Ritchie in the Aberdeen goal into some good saves. The keeper, who was also in fine form for Scotland U16s against England in midweek, produced an excellent performance and his solid display allowed the Dons to leave with a clean sheet. Subs this evening Kevin Hanratty, Calvin Ramsay were also part of the Scotland U16 squad that played at St Georges Park.
Another young Scotland internationalist Connor Barron played an important part against Hearts despite having just returned from Spain where the Scotland U17s played two games against Russia.
Danny Strachan and Mark McLauchlan, the two Aberdeen full-backs, also impressed this evening and can be pleased with their defensive efforts.
Reaction
Afterwards U18s coach Scott Anderson told afc.co.uk “It was an open contest that went back-and-fore with neither team ever really having control of the game.
“Although we had several chances, which unfortunately we were unable to finish off, Hearts also had their opportunities. So at the end of the day it was a fair result.
“I’m reasonably happy with that showing at this early stage of the season. We know we can do better with the ball, but I’m pleased with the defensive performance and the clean sheet. Hearts have traditionally always been strong at this level, so I’m happy we are taking a point back up the road.”
Team News
Aberdeen: Tom Richie, Danny Strachan, Mark McLauchlan, Connor Barron, Lloyd Robertson, Kyle Dalling, Ethan Ross, Lewis Duncan, Sean Linden, Kieran Shanks (Michael Dangana 45), Tyler Alexander (Tyler Chicken 69). Subs: Kyle Leiper (GK), Simone Zanda, Kevin Hanratty, Calvin Ramsay.
Fixtures
Some of the Development squad will be in action on Monday when the Aberdeen Reserves play Falkirk in the SPFL Reserve League. Please note this game will take place at Glebe Park, Brechin with a 2.00pm KO. Then on Wednesday at 8.00pm an Aberdeen Development side play Banks O’ Dee at Spain Park in the Aberdeenshire Cup before on Friday Scott Anderson’s youngsters are back in action when they face Rangers in the U18 League at the Balmoral Stadium, Cove. Kick-off on Friday afternoon is at 4.00pm.
Some of the Development squad will be in action on Monday when the Aberdeen Reserves play Falkirk in the SPFL Reserve League. Please note this game will take place at Glebe Park, Brechin with a 2.00pm KO. Then on Wednesday at 8.00pm an Aberdeen Development side play Banks O’ Dee at Spain Park in the Aberdeenshire Cup before on Friday Scott Anderson’s youngsters are back in action when they face Rangers in the U18 League at the Balmoral Stadium, Cove. Kick-off on Friday afternoon is at 4.00pm.
