Turriff United 3 - 4 Aberdeen

An Aberdeen Development side this evening played Turriff United in a testimonial match for James Chalmers. Congratulations to James on his testimonial, deserved recognition for the service he has given Turriff over many years. We also acknowledge the contribution made by the Chalmers family to the club, going all the way back to 1937.

In a highly entertaining match, the young Dons ran out with 4-3 winners thanks to goals from Bavidge, Boyd, Marshall and Fraser Mackie scored the winner with 15 minutes remaining. Aberdeen played the last half hour with a young U18 side who impressed.


Report

Aberdeen started brightly and goalkeeper Lee Herbert did well on a couple of occasions to get off his line quickly and clear the danger. After 8 minutes Cammy Wilson set up Fletcher Boyd but he pulled his shot just wide. On 11 minutes Findlay Marshall won the first corner of the game which he took, Lewis Carroll rose brilliantly but his header just went over the bar.

After 13 minutes Scott Anderson was forced into a change when Blair McKenzie picked up an injury. He was replaced by Dylan Ross who went to left back and Timothy Akindileni moved over one.

After 19 minutes Bavidge was through on goal after a ball over the top and he lifted his shot over the keeper but it went agonisingly just past the far post.

Turriff almost had a chance but Carroll produced an excellent last ditch tackle to prevent Murray Cormack racing clear. Sadly that was his last involvement and he was replaced by former Dons youngster Timi Fatona.

The rain was helping slick up the surface which helped the pace of the game in the first half.

On 25 minutes Dylan Ross had a shot from distance which keeper Herbert did well to spoon over the bar. Alfie Stewart almost once again scored direct from the corner kick but the ball rebounded off the bottom of the post. The ball was then played back into the area – Bavidge knocked it down for Wilson but the keeper blocked bravely and then Herbert produced a great save to block a Boyd shot but the ball spun up and Bavidge headed home at the far post.

On the half hour mark Bavidge again used his pace and power to break clear but his shot found the side netting.

Aberdeen looked in control and this stage but the Highland League side then took the lead after a quick fire double. From an Aberdeen corner they broke quickly and Fatona did well to chase the ball down and force a slack back pass which striker Ewan Clark pounced on and the teams were level. And two minutes later, Callen Gray produced a fine low shot which beat Vitols at his neat post, and Turriff were 2-1 in front. It stayed that way until the interval, the home side doing well to get after Aberdeen all over the pitch.

HT. Turriff United 2-1 Aberdeen

At half-time Cooper Masson replaced Victor Enem. Four minutes after the restarted and the young Dons were level. Fletcher Boyd did well to press high up the pitch chasing a Bavidge flick on and when he won the ball back Fletcher had the composure to produce a fine finish.  His early shot gave the keeper no chance.

On 50 minutes man of the moment James Chalmers came off to well deserved standing ovation. The defender can be proud of his evenings work. And shortly after that his side went back in front when an unmarked Clark headed a corner home from eight yards out.

The home side almost scored from another corner a minute later, Vitos saving well, before Aberdeen equalised on the hour mark, also from a corner. Alfie Stewart’s ball in found the run of Marshall at the near post and although his initial shot was blocked, the midfielder showed good reactions to fire the rebound into the roof of the net.

An hour in Aberdeen rung the changes with the development players coming off and being replaced by the U18s. United also made a number of substitutions. It meant the Dons had to play the last half hour with a very young side but they did very well.

Both Tristan Stephen and Masson went close but on both occasions sub keeper Tim Findlay blocked well. Then after a good spell of Aberdeen possession, they took the lead with fifteen minutes remaining. A free kick was played in from the left and Fraser Mackie produced a great run and finish to flick it home. Joseph Teesdale then forced another good save from the keeper which would have secured the win.

Aberdeen did well in the closing stages with such a young side to calmly keep possession and keep their opponents at bay. The only moment of concern was when Ross had to come across from his full back area to produce a fine block.

FT. Turriff United 3 Aberdeen 4

Everyone at AFC would also like to wish our friends at Turriff United all the very best for the upcoming season.