Aberdeen 2 - 4 Celtic
HT Score: Aberdeen 1 - 2 Celtic
SPL Under 21
Aberdeen scorers: Rutkiewicz 34, Fabiano 66 (Pen).Celtic scorers: Petta 30, Maloney 31, Maloney 57, McManus 81
24/09/2002 | KO: 19:00
Dons lose out to ten men Celts
Aberdeen failed to get the better of a strong Celtic side in a keenly fought tussle at Pittodrie. Celtic led 2-1 at the interval after Scott Michie had missed a spot kick in the final minute. The Dons showed more appetite in the second period aided and abetted by the sending off of Bobby Petta. Despite putting the visitors under pressure Celtic held out for the three points.
Celtic totally dominated the opening period at Pittodrie and took a deserved lead on the half hour mark when Petta netted. Maloney added a second a minute later and the evening was looking bleak for the young Dons. However, Rutkiewicz pulled one back in the 34th minute with a powerful header and the Dons should have gone in at half time all square. Chris Clark was brought down in the penalty area in the 45th minute, but Scott Michie placed the spot kick wide of the target.
Aberdeen made a better start to the second half, but Celtic increased their lead in the 58th minute when Fernandez set up Maloney for his second goal of the night. A minute later Petta was sensationally red carded following a fracas with Fabiano. This gave the Dons some hope and when Carella was tumbled in the box in the 66th minute Fabiano slotted the ball into the corner of the net.
Aberdeen then took the initiative and it was the visitors' turn to defend in depth. Despite several near misses the Dons failed to draw level and Celtic extended their lead in the 82nd minute when McManus headed home a Fernandez free kick to kill off the Dons challenge.
Aberdeen Teamsheet
Preece, Payne, Duncan, O'Donoghue, Rutkiewicz, Hedderman, Clark, Carella, Michie, Fabiano, Thornley (McKenzie 6).
Unused Subs: Jones, Souter, Watson, Peat.
Bookings:
Duncan (49).
Preece, Payne, Duncan, O'Donoghue, Rutkiewicz, Hedderman, Clark, Carella, Michie, Fabiano, Thornley (McKenzie 6).
Unused Subs: Jones, Souter, Watson, Peat.
Bookings:
Duncan (49).
Celtic Teamsheet
Herbert, Jack, McManus, Fotheringham, Kennedy, Healy, Agathe, Maloney, Smith, Fernandez, Petta.
Bookings: Fernandez 54 
Petta 59
Herbert, Jack, McManus, Fotheringham, Kennedy, Healy, Agathe, Maloney, Smith, Fernandez, Petta.
Bookings:
Fernandez 54 Petta 59
Attendance: 338
Venue: Pittodrie Stadium, Aberdeen
Referee: Jeff Banks
Venue: Pittodrie Stadium, Aberdeen
Referee: Jeff Banks
REGISTERED OFFICE:
Pittodrie Stadium, Aberdeen AB24 5QH
Pittodrie Stadium, Aberdeen AB24 5QH