Young Dons beaten at Rangers Training Centre

Rangers 2 Aberdeen U18s 0

Club Academy Scotland U18 Elite League

Friday 30 August 2024

Rangers Training Centre

Aberdeen Under 18s fell to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Rangers at their Achenhowie training base on Friday afternoon.

The young Dons went in at the interval level but two second half goals from the hosts resigned them to defeat on the road.

Lead coach Scott Anderson named one change to the side that comfortably defeated Motherwell by four goals to nil last time out, Fletcher Boyd returned to U18 action, he replaced Jack Searle who took a spot on the bench. The Dons were travelling light, naming just two other outfield substitutes alongside Searle.

Last time out at the Rangers Training Centre the young Dons clinched the league title in dramatic fashion when they came from behind to secure the title – Five of the starters on that afternoon in May in the XI this time around.

Joseph Teasdale forced a strong save out of Rydnn McGuire in the Rangers goal early in the contest as both teams looked for an all important opener.

It took until the second 45 for that opening goal to arrive. Rangers took the lead early in the half through Chris Eadie, who fired his side in front in the 47th minute.

An Aberdeen corner sprung a quickfire series of Dons chances, Teasdale having an effort blocked before Fraser Mackie was alert to the break of the ball, the forward only able to find the side netting with an effort.

Searle was introduced to the action with fifteen minutes left in the contest as Aberdeen searched for an equaliser, he replaced Ellis Clark.

Andrew Fasanya was the second and final Aberdeen change, he replaced Joseph Teasdale with just under five minutes to play, the youngster on for his first minutes at U18 level.

As the Dons pushed for a crucial leveller at the death Josh Gentles was able to double the Rangers advantage to wrap up the three points.