Rangers 4 - 1 Aberdeen

Match report

The U18s, who had a very young side out, had played very well in the first 40 minutes. They had followed a game plan and created a couple of really good opportunities. Aberdeen were on the front foot for most of that period but were unable to take any of their chances.

Then just before the break, a questionable free kick was given to Rangers. Kai Kennedy took it and scored with a fine finish.

The young Dons then went straight up the park and Kevin Hanratty managed to get the wrong side of the last defender. As he is away to shoot, the talented winger was brought down but the referee Yaser Razouk waved play on.

In the second half the young Dons started reasonably well but again were unable to make their possession count.

On 52 minutes Rangers strung a couple of passes together and as the ball came into the area Dons defender Luke Turner made a last-ditch tackle but was unfortunate to see the ball diverted past Archie Mair. Very unlucky.

For the next 15 minutes to 20 Rangers had their tails up and Aberdeen went into their shell a bit.

Mair made a couple of good saves but a poor pass out of defence allowed substitute Kieran McKechnie to score a third and then four minutes later Adedapo Mebude added a fourth on the break.
4-0 down, but in the last 15-20 minutes Aberdeen came back into the game and created a few chances. Kieran Shanks hit the junction of the post and bar, he also put one just wide and Connor Barron was a bit unlucky with a shot.

Finally, Aberdeen got a goal after a high press and the two substitutes combined. Lyall Booth played in Tyler Mykyta and he claimed a consolation with the last kick of the ball.

Reaction

Coach Scott Anderson spoke to afc.co.uk after the game:

"The difference was Rangers took their chances and we did not.

"I am was really pleased with them in the first half. We were quite a bit younger but we played well and were really disciplined and the decision making was good. Had we managed to get our noses in front, then that changes everything.

"In terms of quality of play, in terms of following the plan we set out, we were really pleased with them in the first half. The big turning point was what happened at the end of the half.

"The learning aspect today, is making sure we take the positives from the first 41 minutes and bits of the second half. We also need to learn to keep the back door shut to remain in these games.

"It has been a tough period.

"We are playing with younger players, we are trying to blood in the younger ones who will be coming in full time. This means we are playing schoolboys. Also some of the full time guys are playing two games a week as they are also playing for the reserves as well.

"We want to keep going and we need to make sure there is still development each week. We want to build on what we are doing over the final five games."