AFC's U13 Youth Development squad returned triumphant from their tour of London on Tuesday after recording impressive victories against Fulham, Arsenal and Chelsea. The rigours of 4 games in 4 days proved a bridge too far though as the youngster suffered their only defeat of the tour to a strong Leeds Utd.

The Dons kids opened their trip with a very impressive 7-0 victory over Fulham. Blair Yule, son of former Peterhead and Cove Rangers player Ray and now Dons Youth Coach, netted a hat-trick. Nicky Nicholson bagged a brace while Jordan Morton, both from our Youth Development Coaching centre in Hamilton, also scored. Elgin product David Chambers completed the scoring.

The young Dons then hit four past Arsenal in their second match. Andrew Bagshaw's younger brother Callum scored while Chambers, Nicholson and Kenny McLean also added their names to the score sheet.

The Dons faced sterner opposition on the Monday, as Chelsea played host. But another impressive victory continued their 100% record. Nicholson scored to continue his form and Aberdeen born Mitchell Megginson notched the second in a 2-1 victory.

Afterwards, the squad made the gruelling bus journey to Leeds to play their final match. And after a hectic schedule over the previous 3 days and the youngsters racking up over one thousand miles in a bus, they couldn't continue their unbeaten record, suffering at the hands of Leeds Utd. With the score tight at only 1-0, the brave young Dons chased an equaliser but were hit with a late sucker punch and the game ended 2-0.

However, this was no slight on the squad who played some superb football and recorded some memorable victories. Youth Development Manager, Chic McLelland commented, "This is a good U13s side. Individually, the players at our disposal show excellent ability. And collectively they are a pleasure to work with. They showed great character on this tour which undoubtedly helped them beat some of the top youth sides in England."

The U13s are back in SPL Youth Initiative action this weekend against Hearts. So hopefully they can continue the excellent form they have shown in recent weeks.

Click on REDimages below for pictures of the lads on the tour.