Celtic Under 18s 1 Aberdeen Under 18s 3 CAS Elite U18 League Lennoxtown Friday 5th April 2024
A sensational three goal in three minutes at Lennoxtown from Aberdeen Under 18s ensured they came from behind to claim a richly deserved and dramatic victory over Celtic on Friday night.
Celtic went ahead after just 15 minutes of the fixture, but the young Dons kept relentlessly knocking at the door until they eventually found an equaliser through Cammy Wilson after 76 minutes – before he pulled his side ahead just two minutes later. Quite incredibly, Fraser Mackie added a third goal for the Dons just a minute later. Fletcher Boyd was instrumental throughout and claimed a hat-trick of assists during those three manic minutes.
Dylan Ross and Cooper Masson from the Under 16s returned to the team after dropping out on Tuesday against Rangers, with Brendan Hamilton and Alfie Stewart on loan club duty this weekend at Banks O’Dee and Peterhead respectively. As the Dons were getting used to now, they were travelling with a young squad.
The first half was to be a frustrating one for the Dons.
Celtic went first to test either of the No. 1s with a long-range effort, but Vitols was more than equal to it, and was able to turn the ball behind for an early corner.
After 15 minutes the hosts took the lead. The Celtic winger charged down the Dons left side, got the better of Ross and was able to send a cross towards the back post which was converted by Isiguzo.
After the Celtic goal, it was a half largely dominated by Aberdeen, who had an abundance of chances to level the game. Wilson broke through and struck the post, his effort wound up at the feet of Clark who eventually was able to set up Mackie to have a shot, but the Dons number nine could only slip on the soaked synthetic surface and send his effort wayward.
A spell of Aberdeen corners also looked a potential avenue for an equaliser, but it was not to be, both Timothy Akindileni and Lewis Carrol were on the end of a couple of routines. Both came close, but Celtic managed to survive.
Wilson continued to look sharp, he pickpocketed his full-back as Celtic attempted to play out and found Boyd inside the box, his effort comfortably saved.
Minutes later Wilson was appealing that the ball had crossed the line when Mackie’s shot at goal came back off the post only to be stopped by the foot of Meikle on the line. The Celtic shot stopper didn’t know much about his save, but again the hosts clung onto their lead.
Celtic did have a few chances of their own down the other end, but there was nothing to really challenge Vitols. Aberdeen looked quick in the counterattack – arguably the best chance of the half fell to Wilson again when he raced clean through on goal, this time his attempt was a weak one, and the keeper saved.
HT. Celtic 1-0 Aberdeen
Christovie Kondolo was introduced as a substitute early in the second half, he took the place of Joseph Teasdale.
Celtic looked more assured during the first twenty minutes of the second period and saw a long-range effort come off Vitols’ post. The hosts squandered a golden chance to put a bit of distance between themselves and a Dons fightback as they raced through on goal in numbers, but Isiguzo elected to square the ball, and the chance somehow went abegging.
The Dons were beginning to have a few chances of their own: Kondolo was growing into the game following his introduction and he came close with an effort, before he turned provider for Boyd, who saw his attempt punched over the crossbar.
And then, the three minutes of madness kicked off.
A lovely flowing move involving Kondolo and Boyd got the ball rolling for the comeback, Wilson’s shot came back off the post, thankfully falling the right side of the line this time. 1-1.
Before Celtic even had a chance to take stock and readjust, Cammy broke into the box and blasted an effort into the back of the net, sparking jubilant scenes amongst the Dons players on the park.
In the blink of an eye, 1-1 had become 1-2, and suddenly it was 1-3. Unleashed by Boyd, Mackie drove into the box and with Wilson on his hat-trick and unmarked in the middle of the area, Mackie was brave and rolled a calm attempt into the back of the net at a difficult angle.
An incredible few minutes of football, and suddenly the young Dons had a firm grip on the match.
The closing ten minutes were expertly navigated by Aberdeen as Celtic were limited to insignificant chances that were proving little threat to the chances of the three points coming back North.
Mackie was withdrawn as the clock struck the 90-minute mark, Searle on in his place to see out the game.
A fantastic three points for the young Dons in difficult conditions again.
STATS
Aberdeen: Vitols, Ross, Carrol, Watson, Wilson, Masson, Mackie (Searle 90’), Boyd, Clark (Wiseman 72’), Akindileni, Teasdale (Kondolo 50’).
Subs not used: Smillie, Green, To, Stephen.
BOOKED: Akindileni 73’
GOALS: Wilson 76’ 78’ Mackie 79’
Celtic: Meikle, Hale, Kyle, Borland, Davidson, McArdle, Pickford, Turley, Isiguzo, Haddon (Keenan 80), Hatton (Skorb 46 (Ferns 76))
Subs not used: Gill.
