Keith 1 - 1 Aberdeen

The young Dons put in a fine performance this evening against Highland League opposition with Brendan Hamilton equalising midway through the first half. Scott Anderson’s side, who had the better of the chances but were denied, finished the game with five 15-year-olds.

The game was a testimonial for Stewart Hutcheon.

The young Dons started strongly and were unlucky with a few close offside calls.

The home side then took the league after 8 minutes. A free kick deflected into the path of James Brownie and he produced a good finish to beat Rodrigo Vitols.

After 20 minutes Adam Emslie, who looked very lively throughout, managed to beat the offside trap this time but a brilliant tackle Ryan Robertson, brother of former Don Clark, prevented a goal. However three minutes later Scott Anderson’s side were level. A cross from the right picked out left back Brendan Hamilton in space – his finish hit off the underside of the bar and nestled in the net.

On the half hour mark Cammy Wilson also had the ball in the net but he was ruled offside.

At the other end Matthew Tough saw his header loop just over the bar and on the stroke of half time Wilson on the turn fired his powerful shot inches over the bar as Aberdeen finished on top.

HALF TIME | Keith 1-1 Aberdeen U18’s
At the start of the second half Emslie and Wilson both forced keeper Craig Reid into saves. After that there were few chances at either end as both team started to make changes.

Aberdeen though, with five 15-year-olds on the field at the end, finished strongly and were unlucky not to find a winner. Substitute keeper Connor McLeod did well to tip a Victor Enem shot over the bar. Then substitute Fraser Mackie set up Emslie but his shot was brilliantly cleared off the line.

The final action of an entertaining game saw Timi Akindileni have an acrobatic effort which again was well saved.

A very good work out for the young Dons against a well organised Keith side.

ABERDEEN U18’s: Rodrigo Vitols (21. Reuben Smillie 60), 3. Brendan Hamilton, 4. Kai Watson, 7. Jamie Mercer, 11. Christovie Kondolo (16. Cooper Masson 85), 6. Alfie Stewart (12. Fraser Mackie 70), 9. Adam Emslie, 8. Dylan Lobban, 2. Victor Enem, 10. Cameron Wilson (15. Fletcher Boyd 60), 14. Lewis Carrol (17. Timi Akindileni 80)