Aberdeen 1 - 2 Hibernian

Aberdeen crashed out of the SFA Youth Cup after losing 2-1 to Hibernian. It is the second time in three years they have lost to the Edinburgh side. Hibs took an early lead through Gullan when he hooked the ball home from close range and then they doubled their lead when Shaw hit a fine shot past Mutch from 25 yards. A minute later the Dons wasted a golden chance to get back into the match when Bruce Anderson saw his penalty saved. Aberdeen completely dominated the second period and finally got a life line when Scott Wright fired home on 69 minutes. Paul Sheerin's young side then lay siege on the Hibs goal but they just could not get the break of the ball inside the box. For sheer effort and commitment, they deserved to take the game to extra time but were unable to undo the damage inflicted early in the game.

Aberdeen had the incentive of reaching the Youth Cup quarter final as their reward if they could get the better of a Hibernian outfit who currently lead the Development League. Paul Sheerin's youngsters were in a confident frame of mind having beaten the Easter Road fledglings when the sides met earlier in the season at Peterhead, a Joe Nuttall double securing victory on that occasion.

Tonight's starting eleven saw Robbie Mutch in goal, behind a back four of Robertson, Omolokun, Roscoe and Wells. Frank Ross, Thomas and Norris were in the middle with Scott Wright, back from injury, McLennan and Bruce Anderson up front.

Aberdeen were first to threaten as Anderson played a nice ball into space for McLennan to chase but keeper Martin was quickly off his line to smother the danger. Frank Ross came close after 5 minutes forcing a good save from the keeper after great play from Bruce Anderson and Scott Wright. Seconds later Martin had to look lively to save a snap header from McLennan after an excellent delivery into the six yard box from Anderson. The Dons had made a bright start to this tie. But it was Hibs who took the lead on 8 minutes when a free kick into the box fell kindly for Jamie Gullan who drove the ball past Mutch from ten yards.
Sam Roscoe received a yellow card for a tug on the shirt of Watson as the Hibs striker robbed him in the centre of the park. Great pressing by Hibs saw them win the ball in midfield and Shaw broke forward to fire an unstoppable shot past Mutch to make it 2-0 to the visitors after 16 minutes. Aberdeen had a great chance to reduce the deficit seconds later when they were awarded a penalty after Bruce Anderson was fouled in the box by Porteous. However Anderson's spot kick was too close to Martin who made a comfortable save. A real opportunity squandered.
Playing down the Glebe Park slope Hibs looked dangerous when they moved forward and Gullan came close to making it three but his curling effort drifted just past. There was no lack of effort from the Dons but they were finding it difficult to penetrate the visitors rearguard. Some slack play in midfield saw Hibs left back Mackie get possession and his long range effort wasn't far past the post. Gullan was again in the thick of the action as half time approached and he forced a fine diving save from Mutch after a neat shot on the turn from 20 yards. Right on the half time whistle Connor McLennan cut in from the left and fired in a powerful shot which Martin did well to turn past the post.

With the wind and the slope to their advantage in the second half the Dons needed an early goal to get back into the game and Toby Wells had a chance with a twenty five yard free kick but his powerful shot hit the wall and rebounded to safety. Aaron Norris then came close with a header from Ross's free kick but Martin again saved well. A fine run in from the left wing from Ross saw him create space for a shot but again the keeper was up to the task of saving his parting effort. The tempo from Aberdeen was excellent as they chased the game. Watson of Hibs became the second player to be yellow carded on 59 minutes after kicking the ball away. It wasn't the winger's first offence so he could have no complaints. The dangerous Gullan created an opening for Shaw but Robbie Mutch spread himself well to block the shot as Hibs tried to get what would undoubtedly prove to be a killer third goal. On 65 minutes Antoniazzi came on for McLennan as Paul Sheerin shuffled the pack. Frank Ross tried his luck again from 15 yards but Martin produced a fine save to turn the ball away for a corner. From the flag kick the ball broke back to Scott Wright who drilled the ball low past Martin to reduce the deficit to just a single goal. Terry Taylor came on for Sam Robertson to add fresh legs. The Dons were right on it now and pushing hard for an equaliser their endeavours deserved.
The Dons made their final change on 85 minutes as Dangana took over from Norris. Sam Roscoe was pushed forward to add his height to the attack as we chased the goal which would keep our Cup hopes alive. Aberdeen pushed right to the end but it wasn't to be so Hibs go through to the quarter final. A frustrating evening for all in red colours but a gallant effort from the boys who gave their all for the cause.