Aberdeen 1 - 2 Hamilton

Russell Anderson returned to competitive action for the U20s this evening. It was the Aberdeen captain's first game since playing against St Johnstone in August and he got an hour of football under his belt. As for the game itself, the young Dons were ahead in the second minute when Shankland scored with a penalty, but after that, Hamilton were the better side in the first half and went in at the interval with a 2-1 lead. After the break, Aberdeen were a lot better and they deserved something from the game but two great late saves from Darren Hill gave Accies the win. Aberdeen remain top of the table and the championship is still in their hands with four games to go. However Hamilton and Celtic are still in the title race and it looks like being a very exciting finish to the season.

Aberdeen got off to a dream start when, in the second minute, David Goodwillie was bundled over in the box by full back MacDonald and the Dons were awarded a penalty. Lawrence Shankland stepped up and made no mistake. But five minutes later, the visitors were back on terms when a long ball was played forward and, although the Dons' defence cleared it, the ball broke nicely to Daniel Armstrong who produced a great finish, hitting a sweet low shot into the corner of the net. The goal lifted Accies and they went ahead on 19 minutes when they too were awarded a spot kick. Michael Rose mistimed a tackle on Armstrong which allowed Eamonn Brophy to score his fourth goal of the season against Aberdeen. After that, Aberdeen lost their way and Hamilton were the better side. They were dominating the midfield area and could have extended their lead. On 37 minutes Tagliapietra headed a corner just wide and a minute later Mutch had to push a Brophy shot to safety, a decent save from the 16 year old. Accies continued to put the pressure on and a Tagliapietra header from a corner had to be cleared off the line by Andrew Driver.

At half-time, Paul Sheerin changed the shape of the team and the young Dons were a lot better for it in the second half. Straight away, they won a corner that Accies failed to deal with but the ball broke kindly for the Lanarkshire side. On 47 minutes, Tierney got a shot in from the edge of the area but Mutch's positioning was good. Aberdeen then started to get on top in the middle of the park and, with Nicky Low far more involved, they looked threatening. On 55 minutes, Gibbons had a shot which went just over the bar and a couple of minutes later, a great run from Scott Wright saw him burst into the box but he lost control at the vital moment. On the hour mark, a long diagonal ball set Goodwillie free down the right. He delivered a great ball into the box which Shankland was not far away from but Darren Hill in goal just managed to intercept. On 61 minutes, there was a double change for the Dons as Russell Anderson was replaced by Campanile and Cammy Smith came on for Scott Wright. As the Dons were still adjusting to the changes, Armstrong had a chance but Mutch made a good save and Rose was able the clear the rebound to safety. On 67 minutes, Mutch made another diving save, this time to keep out Brophy. With 20 minutes left, the game was still very even but then Aberdeen stepped up a gear as they went looking for an equaliser and were very unfortunate not to get one. On 75 minutes, Hill tipped a Goodwillie effort over the bar after great play from Nicky Low down the right, a decent strike from David who had a good second half. From the resulting corner, the ball was flicked on at the near post and had to be cleared off the line.
In the closing stages the young Dons put everything into it and were only denied by two excellent saves from Hill. On 85 minutes, Goodwillie headed a corner goalward but Hill, diving to his left, managed to keep it out. Then a minute later, Cammy Smith did brilliantly to create an opening in the box. His first effort was blocked but the ball landed back at his feet and from close range he got a shot in, but Hill made a very good block. Aberdeen kept pushing but in the end they were left extremely frustrated with the fact referee Calum Spence only played three minutes of injury time.
Next week the Dons are the side to have a free week. After that they have to play Hearts both home and away, Dunfermline at home and they travel to Edinburgh to play Hibs on the last day of the season. Hamilton and Celtic play each other next Thursday.