Aberdeen 4 - 0 St. Johnstone

The young Dons lined up with Lukasik in goal, Murray at right back, Masson at left back and with captain Grimmer and Rumsby in the centre of defence. In midfield Ryan Fraser played wide right, Smith and Storie were in the centre and O'Neill on the left. Up front Carse was partnered with McManus.

As ever there were windy conditions for the players to deal with at Balgownie, and with the wind behind them the visitors put Aberdeen under pressure early on. The Saints forced a number of corners and in fact the home side struggled to get a foot hold in the game during the first 15 minutes. Saints also had the ball in the net but it was chopped off for offside. It did look a close decision.

St Johnstone won a load more corners but the Dons new look defence held tight. Both Grimmer and Rumsby had excellent games. On the rare occasion the ball did beat either of them Lukasik was also in excellent form.

It was therefore against the run of play when Aberdeen took lead on 19 minutes. The Dons broke quickly. Cameron Smith picked up the ball in the middle of the park and played a brilliant pass through to Fraser. The winger latched onto the ball ran in on goal as he outsprinted the defence and then finished past Worby. A really good effort. Young Ryan injured himself in the process of scoring but thankfully after treatment was back to get back on his feet.

The goal gave the Dons confidence and for the first time in the game they started to take control. McManus and Carse started linking together and were also well supported by O'Neill and Fraser from wide. The Dons side this year is very young, only three players today are in their final year, but the one thing the team does have is pace to burn.

The second goal came after 27 minutes when Fraser ran in on goal and was challenged in the box. The referee pointed to the spot immediately. Jack Grimmer as captain walked forward to claim the ball and he dispatched it comfortably past Worby.

Ryan Fraser, who had not fully recovered from his earlier knock was replaced by Cooper on 38 minutes.

Aberdeen were now well in control and they should have made it three when again on the break Mcmanus was sent clear however he put his effort past the post. Just before half time Lukasik produced a very good save.

After the break Aberdeen started strongly and never looked in any danger. Carse had a couple of good chances before he added number three after 66 minutes. His strike partner McManus cleverly flicked the ball on with a header. Dean brilliantly anticipated the flick on and he coolly rounded the keeper before stroking the ball home. Then three minutes later the same combination made it four. McManus did really well down the left flank. He got to the by-line, had time to look up and cross the ball across the face of goal and Carse tapped home. Carse scored a huge number of goals for the U17s last season and on this form the Edinburgh youngster will score goals at 19s level as well.

With the game safe Neil Cooper made a couple more changes. Gibbons came on for Crase after 75 minutes and Duguid came on for Murray and 84 minutes. In the final minute Lukasik produced another fine save to give him a well deserved clean sheet.

Next week the 19s are away to St Mirren.