Hamilton Academical 0 - 5 Aberdeen

Report

Aberdeen survived an early free kick and corner as the home side started strongly. On four minutes a fine move allowed Liam Harvey a shooting chance but he pushed his shot just wide. Moments later Liam set up strike partner Alfie Bavidge and his shot was deflected just wide. From the resulting corner Evan Towler saw his header pushed onto the bar, a fine save from the keeper.

At the other end a brilliant last ditch tackle by Finlay Murray prevented Ben Black getting a shot away. The visitors then had a good spell, playing a high press, Hamilton were pinned back before they again won a couple more corners.

On 15 minutes Bavidge created an opening for himself with some great set up play but he just fired over. Harvey then got his shot on target but the keeper was well position to make the save.

The game was still very open and the pace of right back Timi Fatona prevented Ryan One getting a run in on goal. 20 minutes in, Aberdeen had to defend four corners in a row before Fatona was booked for a trip.

For the rest of the half Aberdeen were on top, playing some good football. Towler with his left foot was also delivering some lovely balls down the line. Winger Adam Emslie was also seeing more of the ball and he created a couple of good openings for Harvey but the striker could not find the breakthrough.

Half-time: Hamilton Accies 0 Aberdeen 5

Whatever Barry Robson and Scott Anderson said during the half time interval, it certainly worked. The adjustments they made saw Aberdeen go out and produce probably their best half of football this season.

On 54 minutes a brilliant ball forward by Ryan Duncan down the right channel was picked up by Alfie Bavidge and the striker, one on one with the last defender, coolly made space for himself before firing home.

Five minutes later the young Dons added a second. Right back Fatona make a great run and then delivered the perfect cross which Harvey headed home from close range. Another superbly worked goal.

Although Aberdeen were well on top, they had to thank keeper Blessing Oluyemi for an excellent double save just before the hour mark. The stopper had little to do up to that point, therefore showed very good concentration levels as Aberdeen for once failed to deal with a set piece played into the area. Top class goalkeeping.

On 67 minutes Aberdeen made the game safe with another well worked move down the right side and Ryan Duncan provided the finishing touches by hammering the ball home. The Dons were by now well on top and credit to keeper Cammy May who produced fine saves twice from Ryan Duncan and once from substitute Tom Findlay.

In the closing stages Aberdeen put a gloss on the scoreline and Ryan Duncan completed his hat-trick. On 88 minutes Taylor Masson produced a cross from the left which Ryan brilliantly headed home. Probably the goal of the night. Then with the final touch of the game Ryan scored a fine individual goal with a strong mazy run, before a powerful shot from the edge of the area found bottom corner.

Great stuff from the young Dons, who are next in action against Dundee United on Tuesday at Cormack Park.