Aberdeen 2 - 2 Ross County

History was made this afternoon as Cormack Park staged its first competitive match when Aberdeen welcomed the Staggies in the Club Academy Scotland 18s League.

Playing on the Eoin Jess pitch, Aberdeen dominated the early possession but were hit with a sucker punch on eight minutes when Adam MacKinnon picked up a loose ball in midfield before moving forward to smash an excellent left-footed shot high past Tom Ritchie from twenty-five yards.

The Dons responded well to the early setback with Connor Barron and Kevin Hanratty, who was dangerous throughout, having efforts at goal. The County defence was being put under intense pressure, but they defended stoutly to repel shots from Kieran Shanks and Michael Dangana before Tyler Mykyta saw a goal-bound effort deflected over the top.

They came within a whisker of equalising on 26 minutes when Kyle Dalling's header crashed off the post following a Mykyta corner.

County were rarely seen in attack as Shanks headed over then Hanratty's cutback narrowly evaded Dangana.

Four minutes from the break, a fine passing move down the right saw Barron fire the ball over for Shanks to volley goal-wards but Stephen was equal to the shot showing some fine handling.

Half time - Aberdeen Under 18s 0 Ross County Under 18s 1

The start of the second half followed a similar pattern to the first as the Dons piled forward in search of an equaliser their lead-up play deserved, their biggest failing perhaps choosing the wrong option in the final third.

County then hit the home side with a real sucker punch on 58 minutes when a break on the left from Lawrence saw the winger cross for Wright to fire home from 10 yards. Two-nil to County and a real uphill struggle faced Aberdeen.

Dangana probably should have passed to Hanratty instead of opting to shoot himself, then Shanks picked up a booking as the frustration grew for the home team. When Hanratty's driving run in 78 minutes ended with a shot into the side-net, defeat looked a real possibility as it seemed to be one of these days when the ball just wouldn't go in for Aberdeen.

However, this team has a lot of character and this showed as Connor Barron's corner was knocked in by Dalling on 82 minutes to throw the Dons a lifeline.

County keeper Stephen produced heroics in making a double save from first Dangana then Shanks, but he was left helpless on 90 minutes when Tom Ritchie's long free kick was knocked on by Dalling for Max Barry to steal in at the far post to fire the ball high into the net.

Unfortunately, time ran out as the Dons pressed for a winner and they will be left rueing missed chances, even in the final minute, but their determination to salvage something from a game which looked to be running away from them deserves great credit.

Full time - Aberdeen Under 18s 2 Ross County Under 18s 2