Aberdeen Under 18s 2 Hamilton Academical 4 Club Academy Scotland Under 18 League Cormack Park 22nd March 2024
Ten men Aberdeen Under 18s fell to defeat late on at the hands of Hamilton Accies on Friday night in a game that was marred by heavy winds. A very young Dons side had to once again play the majority of the game a man down and they will feel aggrieved with some big calls that went against them.
There were two changes to the team that defeated Dundee United on Tuesday – Alfie Stewart and Findlay Marshall stepping out, Oliver Green and Cooper Masson taking their place in the XI.
The first chance of a chaotic, wind distrusted first half fall to the visitors. Morgan played through Black, his early chance saved by Vitols.
Fletcher Boyd and Cammy Wilson, as they have in recent weeks, looked lively and two likely outlets for an opener, Boyd danced around a selection of Accies defenders and eventually won a corner, Wilson done well and fashioned a crossing opportunity which was fumbled by the keeper at first, but eventually claimed.
The chances were ramping up, Boyd again had a shot saved, Dylan Ross came charging from left back into a dangerous position which allowed a shooting opportunity, Murray equal to it.
The Accies keeper had a number of good saves in the first half.
Despite the early chances the visitors on the break struck first after just 12 minutes, an incoming cross got the deftest of touches off Black, enough to take the ball beyond Vitols. A clever finish.
Aberdeen however were unhappy that a foul on Masson during the build up went unpunished.
Less than five minutes later the young Dons found an equaliser. Preston was adjudged to have handled the ball, and from the freekick Ellis Clark sent an effort towards goal which Murray failed to hold and the ball landed at the feet of Lewis Carroll to tap home and make it 1-1. It was always going to be a difficult evening for the keepers.
Shortly after that Boyd was clean through but Murray made amends with a great save – he was out quickly to pounce at Fletchers feet and prevent the striker getting a shot away.
Then the main talking point from the game. Aberdeen were dealt a major blow when Fraser Mackie, who had started the game really well, was shown a straight red card following a coming together with a Hamilton counterpart. Although Fraser reacted, he was not the instigator and can feel very hard done by. It did not look like an incident that merited any cards.
Coach Scott Anderson was then also red carded, clearly very frustrated with what he had witnessed.
Despite the adversity faced, it looked like Aberdeen had found a way into the lead after Wilson chipped an inch perfect ball over the top for Boyd to volley home, but he was thwarted by the linesmen’s flag and both sides went on level at the break. It was a tight decision but the Dons striker was just onside.
HT. Aberdeen 1 Hamilton Academical 1.
As was to be expected with both a numerical and weather advantage as they were playing with the wind on their side, Accies started to build some pressure, but the Dons were defending well.
With the pace in this young side, Aberdeen were still a threat on the break and on the hour mark Wilson won a corner for his side. Clark’s initial delivery was blocked, but the ball was eventually worked back out to him where he was allowed the space to race to the byline and flash a brilliant ball across goal, and Carrol bulleted home a header, a second goal of the game from the centre half, and Aberdeen had the lead.
After that the Dons had a spell where they were looking comfortable but Hamilton were thrown a lifeline after 67 minutes when Vitols was unable to keep a hold of a long-range effort, and Hodgkiss was first to react and bundle in the rebound.
It was then a great game in the last 20 minutes as both teams pushed for a winner.
Aberdeen had a few corners in the last quarter but they failed to work any real openings. On the break Cammy Wilson had a couple of half chances, Boyd also almost managed to work his way clear.
With just a few minutes on the clock Wilson claimed for a handball after his shot came back off an Accies arm, it looked a really strong appeal but much the players’ frustration, the game was waved to continue.
As the game entered the 90th minute there was heartbreak for the young Dons who had put so much into trying to get something out of the game. Another rebound, this time falling to the feet of Bell to prod the away side into a lead.
Insult was added to injury deep into additional time when Eguagie added a 4th goal for Hamilton at the back post, to cap off a greatly disappointing evening at Cormack Park.
A lot of positives to take from the game against an older outfit but the young Dons will regret maybe not settling for a point late on.
STATS
Aberdeen: Vitols, Watson, Carrol, Masson, Clark, Akindileni, Ross, Boyd, Mackie, Wilson, Green Subs: Stephen, Searle, Teasdale, Wiseman, To, Smillie, Simpson
SCORED: Carrol 15’ 59’
BOOKED: Masson 55’
RED CARD: Mackie 23’
Hamilton Accies: Murray, Eadie, Lyons, Preston, Neeson, Latona, Gwamba-lo Kalala, Hodgkiss, Black, Morgan, Carroll Subs: Devenny, Eguagui, Condy, Aitken, Daly, Bell, Stafford
SCORED: Hodgkiss 70′ Bell 90+1 Eguagui 90+3
BOOKED: Black 11, Preston 14, Lyons 23, Morgan 57, Latona 82
