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Aberdeen 3 - 2 Celtic

HT Score: Aberdeen 1 - 2 Celtic

SPL Youth 18
Aberdeen scorers: Mackie 45, Bavidge 58, Boyd 75.

07/05/2024 | KO: 18:00

Aberdeen Under 18s grabbed three more points on Tuesday night after a vital victory against Celtic at Cormack Park. But once again they had to do it the hard way, producing another stunning comeback that keeps them in the League title race with two more games to play.

The visitors had raced into a two-goal lead in the North-East, but a vital Fraser Mackie goal on the stroke of half-time had them back in the contest. Alfie Bavidge levelled in the second half, before Fletcher Boyd continued his hot streak of form with the crucial winner.

As it often has been for the Under 18s this season, it was an eventful 90 minutes.

Ellis Clark and Dylan Ross both made way from the side that ground out an important win against Queens Park on Saturday, Bavidge and Findlay Marshall both thrown back into the XI after their time on-loan came to an end at the weekend. In the dugout, Scott Anderson was back from first team duty after stepping up to lead the team just a few days ago to victory over St Johnstone.

The first half was naturally a cagey affair with so much at the stake for the Young Dons, and it was Celtic that edged things at the close of play for the half.

The first few chances came the way of Aberdeen however, Boyd tried his luck from the edge of the area, his shot down the throat of keeper Rice and turned to safety. Brendan Hamilton turned a dangerous ball into the Celtic six-yard box, which was turned also away.

After 22 minutes Celtic took the lead. Cooper Masson was dispossessed on the half way line, and the visitors took full advantage to open the scoring after breaking quickly and netting through Turley.

Things went from bad to worse just a few minutes later, Hatton took down a long ball, and after rounding Vitols blasted high into the net.

After the two setback’s Aberdeen showed signs of coming to life. From a Kai Watson throw Marshall fired just over on the half volley. Boyd was next to have a go, he put his head where it could have hurt with Rice rushing out to meet him on the penalty spot, his header blocked.

Fraser Mackie was next, Hamilton’s cross was on the money to meet the forward at the back-post, but again another chance went abegging. Then at the other end the excellent Hatton very nearly added a third.

But right on the stroke of the 45th minute Aberdeen grabbed a lifeline.

Boyd’s shot was well saved by the face of Rice from close range, the ball falling back out to Mackie who this time forced the ball in despite Rice’s best efforts, who managed to get his hand on the forwards effort as it travelled past him.



It was a difficult half for the Young Dons, but Mackie’s goal to half the deficit presented hope of what could be an all-important salvage job at Cormack Park.

HT. Aberdeen 1 Celtic 2.

In the second half the young Dons dug deep when it mattered the most to ensure they kept their title aspirations ticking over.

Bavidge passed up on a golden chance to start the half when he was played through by Wilson, much to his frustration the forward could only drag his shot wide. But he would go on to pull his team through in the second half along with Marshall who was outstanding. Pickford and Turley then threatened for Celtic: The two forwards both had chances sail past Vitols’s goal. But after that it was mainly all Aberdeen.

Just before the hour mark they did get their equaliser. Some good work in the build-up culminated with Boyd sliding an excellent ball across the face of goal, which was turned in by Bavidge to level the contest.

The young Dons were now back to forcing the agenda and creating chances. They came close to getting their noses in front for the first time on the night when Timi Akindileni rose highest to meet Hamilton’s corner and head down to Mackie, who had his effort saved.
Aberdeen’s first personnel change came on 73 minutes with Joseph Teasdale introduced, he replaced Cammy Wilson.

Just two minutes later, the Dons were ahead.

An excellent team move was finished by Boyd inside the box after Hamilton provided a typically excellent cross. The introduction of Teasdale allowed Mackie to move out wide and Aberdeen benefited from the change immediately, with Mackie and Hamilton linking up to create the all-important Dons goal.

Celtic responded with chances of their own, but it was now the visitors who were struggling to find the target, as Aberdeen looked to hold onto their precious one goal advantage.

The pace of Bavidge allowed him to carve a chance out of practically nothing as he latched onto a Celtic throw and raced towards goal, the forward only denied by an excellent Meikle save.

With Aberdeen now playing with their backs up against the wall a temporary break in play for Hamilton to receive treatment allowed a chance for the side to regroup and in the end managed the game very well.

Deep into stoppage time Ellis Clark replaced Boyd. The Young Dons had to suffer through five minutes of agonising injury time but come the close of play the three points were able to stay in the North-East.

A massive victory that the group had to work for, a strong example of the never say die character in the team that means with two games of their league campaign to go, they are still well in the hunt.

They now face the test of Rangers away on Friday afternoon, before rounding out their campaign with another visit from Celtic to Cormack Park on Monday night.
Aberdeen Teamsheet
Vitols, Carrol, Hamilton, Masson, Watson, Akindileni, Bavidge, Boyd (Clark 90), Mackie, Wilson (Teasdale 73), Marshall.

Unused Subs: Kondolo, Ross, Green, Smilie, Stephen.

Bookings:  Watson (60),  Marshall (86).
Celtic Teamsheet
Rice, Taylor, Kyle, Hale, Davidson, McArdle, Dargie, Ferns, Pickford, Turley Unused Subs: Hamilton, Meikle, Glancy, DiGiacomo, Obidiwe
Venue: Cormack Park, Aberdeen
Referee: Alex Ross
Next Match
Dundee
H
09 Nov 2024 / 17:30 / Pittodrie Stadium, Aberdeen