Club Academy Scotland U18 League
Kilmarnock 2 Aberdeen 3
Rugby Park
Friday 8th March 2023
A late winner from Cammy Wilson at Rugby Park on Friday afternoon ensured Aberdeen Under 18s ran out as 3-2 winners against league leaders Kilmarnock as they made it back-to-back away wins.
It was also Wilson who opened the scoring in Ayrshire, with Fletcher Boyd grabbing the second goal that put Aberdeen 2-0 to the good, before Kilmarnock replied with two goals of their own to set up a grandstand finish.
There was just one change to the side that dismantled a strong Hamilton side in Lanarkshire a fortnight ago – Christovie Kondolo came into the XI after returning from injury off the bench against Accies, replacing Alfie Stewart. The Dons were travelling light, they named just three outfield substitutes.
Early on Rodrigo Vitols produced an excellent reflex save to deny Burke after he was teed up by Mersey, the Dons keeper also equal to a good header from the resulting corner.
It was then Aberdeen who opened the scoring after just six minutes of action, Wilson and Boyd picking up from where they left off last time out in the league as they again flexed their quality.
A quick counterattack unleashed Boyd whose low cross was diverted past the helpless Brown by Wilson, and the young Dons had the lead in Ayrshire.
One nil almost became two nil after Mackie’s misjudged header back to his keeper caught out Brown, but as they both scrambled back, they were able to breathe a sigh of relief as they watched the ball trundle just wide of the goal.
The remainer of the first half was largely dominated by chances for Kilmarnock.
Craik’s in swinging ball that was turned past the post by Marchant the pick of the bunch. The hosts were dominating but were wasteful with the chances presented to them.
Aberdeen then finished the half strongly, Cammy Wilson had a shot well saved by Brown before major controversary struck, the nippy winger was hauled to the ground by the Kilmarnock keeper after Wilson looked to have taken the ball around the shot stopper. Much to everyone’s surprise the referee was quick to dismiss the protests. It looked a penalty and red card.
So despite being under the cosh for portions of the half, the young Dons had defended well and could have added to their one goal lead going into half-time.
HT. Kilmarnock 0 Aberdeen 1
The second half was quite the 45 minutes of football, but it was Aberdeen who were able to just about edge it in dramatic circumstances.
Kondolo made way during the interval as he continued his journey back to full fitness, Green on in his place.
Almost immediately after the restart the Dons had a second goal. Boyd was alert and latched onto a loose Kilmarnock pass, the forward was able to stay composed and delivered a well measured finish to beat Brown. The young Dons were two up.
Ten minutes later Killie reduced the deficit via a corner kick routine, the ball eventually finding its way into the back of the net with Mackie scoring from Marchant’s assist. Game on.
The hosts ramped up the pressure following the goal and were threatening to find a leveller. Burke and Cooper both had efforts well saved, with the latter an excellent piece of goalkeeping from Vitols.
Aberdeen then passed up on a good chance when Ross was played through by Wilson, the fullback had a number of options at the back post, he elected to shoot, but could not find the net.
Kilmarnock then found an equaliser through their skipper Mersey when he stepped up and delivered an excellent freekick from distance that rattled into the top corner leaving Vitols with no chance. Aberdeen had been pegged back with just under ten minutes of regulation time left.
Both teams pushed for a winner and it was the away team who found one.
Boyd’s effort from the edge of the box was fumbled by Brown and Cammy Wilson was in the right place at the right time, alert and ready, to bundle in the rebound and spark jubilant scenes of celebration amongst the young Dons on the pitch.
Three minutes to play, 3-2 Aberdeen.
The closing period was expertly navigated and there was to be no more twists in the tale of an already dramatic match that saw the Dons depart Ayrshire with all three points.
The result and performance a big confidence booster ahead of the SFA Youth Cup semi-final next Friday.
FT. Kilmarnock 2 Aberdeen 3
STATS
Aberdeen: Vitols, Ross, Akindileni, Carrol, Watson, Kondolo (Green 45), Masson, Mackie, Boyd, Clark, Wilson
Subs not used: Green, Wiseman, Stephen, Smillie
Goals: Wilson 6 Wilson 87 Boyd 46
Booked: Akindileni 86
Kilmarnock: Brown, Brannan, Mersey, Mackle, Miller (Kennedy 79), Bowie (Stark 59), Smith (Burgess 72), Cooper, Craik, Marchant, Burke
Subs not used: Coutts, Devlin, Duruh
Goals: Mackie 55, Mersey 81
