Aberdeen 2 - 0 Dunfermline

Clydesdale Bank Youth League Aberdeen U19s 2 v 0 Dunfermline U19s

McManus 57, 80

Aberdeen U19s this afternoon defeated Dunfermline U19's at a wet and windy Balgownie. Aberdeen were the better team during the first half, enjoying most of the possession, but they failed to score with Cammy Smith coming closest but his strike hit the post. However, the goals came in the second half, both courtesy of Declan McManus. Despite the terrible conditions the young Dons played some excellent football.

Neil Cooper was forced into a couple of changes as Conor Devaney never recovered in time from an injury and Jamie Masson was ill. So the young Dons lined up with Lukasik in goal, Duguid came in at right back, Gimmer and Rumsby were in central defence and Clark Robertson at left back. In a 4-3-3 formation the midfield trio were Murray, Smith and O'Neill with Fraser, Carse and McManus up front.

Dunfermline had the strong wind behind them in the first half and started brightly. They forced a number of corners and with the ball moving about all over in the place in the air in was going to be a difficult afternoon for the goalkeeper and defenders.

As the half wore on Aberdeen began to get their passing going and take control of the game. The midfield three were also getting the better of their opposite numbers. McManus was unlucky with a header which just went past the post and Cameron Smith hit the woodwork after a fantastic run and shot.

In the second half Aberdeen completly dominated and eventually the goal came just before the hour mark when Fraser set up McManus. The Dons continued to dominate and put together some great moves. Carse went close on a number of occasions, as did Smith. Despite being in control of the game at 1-0 the outcome was still in the balance. Especially with conditions making it difficult for all the players. Dunfermline did have one effort that went just past the post.

The game was stopped for 15 minutes or so on 70 minutes when Dunfermline's McIntosh suffered what looked a serious injury. When the game restarted Aberdeen kept their concentration and eventually made the game safe when Ryan Fraser once again set up McManus and again he showed composure to slot the ball home when one on one with the keeper.

There was a further stop when the referee got injured and had to swap with his linesman. Aberdeen had a few more chances at the end but had to settle for just the two goals.

Team: Przemyslaw, Duguid, Rumsby, Grimmer, Robertson, O'Neill, Smith, Murray (Gibbons 53), Fraser, Carse, McManus Subs Rogers, McMahon, Cooper

RedTV |  the goals please click here

After the game Neil Cooper spoke to RedWeb "I'm very pleased with the win in different conditions. In the first half we passed the ball really well; we just lacked that cutting edge in the final third. Declan McManus had a header just past the post and Cammy Smith had a great penetrating run in and hit the post."

"In the second half we had a lot of chances; I think the rain prevented that in the first half. Their keeper made some very good saves. The first goal was a good goal. Jack Grimmer, who I thought was excellent today, he was really strong, he played a fantastic past for Ryan Fraser who made a great run. Ryan picked out Declan in the box and he showed good composure to finish it. The same with the second goal, Ryan has come inside and picked out another great ball for Declan. We had some other great chances as well.

"Our passing today was excellent. There was a sharpness in the passing. The boys at the back started slack last week but this week they started really well. We controlled possession and overall I am very happy with the performance. I am also pleased with the younger lads who came into the side today.

Aberdeen U19s next game is against Hibs on the 1^st October. There is no game next week due to the Scotland U19s European Championship games.

RedImages |  please click here