Edusport Academy 0 - 6 Aberdeen

The Young Dons kicked off their challenge for the Youth Cup with a first ever meeting with Edusport Academy at the home of Benburb Juniors.
The opening half hour was fairly uneventful as both sides sized each other up. The visitors enjoyed the bulk of possession but Edusport, whose side was made up of mainly French youngsters, kept their shape well and didn't offer up too many openings. Good work from Chris Antoniazzi, who had a fine game, created a chance for David Dangana on 30 minutes and the striker didn't hesitate, firing a crisp shot past Bonnet in the Edusport goal to break the deadlock. Frank Ross, whose class shone throughout, quickly notched a second for the Dons after being played in by Toby Wells before a quickfire double from the impressive Antoniazzi just before the break put the tie beyond the reach of the home side.

Half time - Edusport Academy 0 Aberdeen 4

Antoniazzi almost grabbed his hat trick just after the break but his powerful shot was deflected on to the post and behind. From the resulting corner a powerful header from Sam Roscoe was diverted into the Edusport net by Danny Harvie to make it five for the Dons. Sam Roscoe had to clear off his own line shortly afterwards following a rare Edusport attack before Paul Sheerin introduced Connor Barron into the action. The 15 year old who played for Scotland in the Victory Shield showed some nice touches and a willingness to battle against opponents who were bigger and older than him.
Lewis Hutchison and Jack MacKenzie came on for the last quarter of an hour as the Dons continued to dominate. However, Edusport keeper Bonnet produced some fine saves before finally being beaten by Frank Ross in the final minute, the midfielder powering home a fifteen yard shot vis the underside of the bar.

A comfortable passage into the last sixteen of the Youth Cup for Aberdeen with some well worked goals to show for their efforts. The other big positive for the coaching staff was the performance of the diminutive Barron who looks like another Academy product destined to have a bright future.