Aberdeen 4 - 1 Hamilton

Glebe Park was once again the venue for the latest Aberdeen Development League match but, unlike last week, this was a home match for the Dons as they welcomed Hamilton Accies in what was a dress rehearsal for next week's Youth Cup tie at Pittodrie. Aberdeen fielded a strong side with Robbie Mutch in goal behind a back four of Kesi Omolokun, Callum Morris, Scott McKenna and Toby Wells. Ryan Jack, continuing his comeback from injury, lined up in midfield alongside Dylan Thomas and Craig Storie with Aaron Norris just ahead of them while Miles Storey and Joe Nuttall were the twin attacking threat. Accies player-boss Martin Canning was in the heart of the visitors' defence.

Both sides were out of the traps quickly and Craig Storie had the game's first shot but Jamieson made a fine diving save to beat the midfielder's fierce twenty yarder to safety. In the sixth minute Ryan Jack fired in a great curling effort from the edge of the box which Jamieson tipped around the post. To the astonishment of all in the ground none of the officials saw the keeper's strong touch on the ball and a goal kick was given. The Accies defence were playing a high line in an attempt to catch the Dons offside which made the midfield area very congested. Cunningham tried his luck from a free kick out on the left but his powerful shot was always too high.
A rampaging run down the right by Breslin saw the full back test Mutch with a rising effort but the keeper was equal to it and McKenna helped clear the danger. Mutch made a great save on 19 minutes tipping Kelly's looping header over the bar after another fine foray forward from Breslin. The Dons broke the deadlock in the 24th minute when Craig Storie released Joe Nuttall to lob the ball over Jamieson and into the net. A ninth goal of the season for big Joe who had timed his run perfectly to spring the offside trap. Hamilton were awarded a penalty on 28 minutes when Morris was adjudged to have brought McMann down in the box. It looked outside but referee Clark was adamant the offence was in the box. Ryan Tierney converted the spot kick calmly sending Mutch the wrong way to tie things up at one goal apiece.
Sloppy play in midfield by the Dons gave Kelly a clear sight of goal but Mutch made a fine save with his feet to prevent the Accies man giving his side the lead. On 39 minutes McKenna's header was just past the post after a fine Thomas corner but a minute later the Dons regained the lead. Miles Storey was the architect as he made a powerful run down the right before squaring for Nuttall to slide the ball in from close range for his tenth of the season at Youth and Under 20 level.
Storey nearly made it three on 44 minutes as he raced down the right before cutting in and lashing in a tremendous shot which Jamieson did well to parry to safety. A rousing first half with the Dons just shading it thanks to Joe Nuttall's goals but Accies will feel they are still very much in the game.

Chris Antoniazzi replaced Ryan Jack for the second half but the skipper showed in the first period he is back to full fitness. On 49 minutes Joe Nuttall completed his hat trick when he turned the ball in from close range after a Storey shot was blocked following a superb burst through the middle from Callum Morris. Accies refused to lie down though and Mutch produced a great save to deny Kelly. Accies player manager Martin Canning came off after 55 minutes as McGregor took over in central defence. Cunningham tested Mutch from long range but once again the keeper was up to the task.
Hamilton were reduced to ten men on 61 minutes when Cunningham was given a straight red for a wild challenge on Antoniazzi. Anderson took over from Storey in the Dons attack a minute later. As the game moved into its final quarter the Dons were taking advantage of the extra man and putting the visiting defence under pressure. Rico Quitongo, brother of ex Don Jai, came on in the 68th minutes replacing Roy up top for Accies. The Dons were comfortable at 3-1 but play was becoming scrappy as both sides tired. Brilliant play down the right by Chris Antoniazzi created a great chance for Nuttall to notch his fourth goal of the evening but the striker hit the post when he really should have scored.
Lewis Hutchison came on for Norris for the final five minutes and the sub scored with his first touch after great set up play from Nuttall to make it 4-1 for Paul Sheerin's side.

In the end the scoreline looks like it was a comfortable win for the Dons but Accies made sure the Pittodrie youngsters had to work their socks off for this victory which takes them level on points with the Lanarkshire side. The two sides will meet again in the SFA Youth Cup on Sunday 6th November at Pittodrie. KO is 2.00pm.

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