The Young Dons continued their build up to next week's Irn Bru Cup meeting with St Johnstone as they travelled north to meet the shock troops of this season's Press and Journal Highland League. Rothes have started their season in great style, winning their opening three fixtures to proudly boast one of only three 100% records in the league.
After a cagey opening from both sides the game burst into life as a rampaging run from Connor McLennan ended with the striker smashing a shot off the bar. Moments later the Dons took the lead when Toby Wells curled home a lovely free kick from the edge of the area. The lead was short lived though as home skipper fired a wonderful set piece past Archie Mair - a goal which would have graced any game. Seb Ross and Chris Antoniazzi both went close before Bruce Anderson restored Aberdeen's lead with a deft
header from Wells' excellent cross.
Nine minutes after the break Gillespie drew the Speysiders level as he converted a penalty awarded after Ross fouled Moore. Just after the hour, trialist Greg McColm stuck out a foot to divert Wells' corner into the net to make it 3-2.
The scoring was completed on 77 minutes when McLennan rifled a fine twenty yard shot past McConnachie, although Mair saved well from Cormack as Rothes pushed for a consolation counter.
Rothes Teamsheet
Donaldson (McConnachie 45), Brown, MacKay, MacDonald, MacLean, S Fraser, Wood, Maley (Cormack 73), J Fraser, Gillespie (Rennie 63), Moore (C) (Duncan 63).
Unused substitute - Cooke.
Aberdeen Teamsheet Mair,
Harrington (
Robertson 82),
Wells (
MacKenzie 82),
MacPherson,
Mbayo,
McColm (
Roscoe 63),
Ross (
Hutchison 63),
Campbell,
McLennan,
Anderson (
Ross 82),
Antoniazzi (
Dangana 63).
Venue: Mackessack Park, Rothes
Referee: Ben Dempster