Aberdeen 6 - 2 Dundee

A first run out of the season for the U18s, and they put in a very encouraging performance, full of skill and energy.

The early stages were a lot like Aberdeen's European game last night, the young Dons had most of the possession, played some good football in the final third but they could not find a way past an inspired keeper.

Harrison Sharp, a former AFC youth academy youngster, was in fine form in the Dundee goal. On 7 minutes he produced his first good save when he tipped a Tyler Mykyta free kick wide. He then produced a number of notable stops before on 22 minutes he was penalised for taking down Kieran Shanks inside the area and conceded a penalty. He has just misjudged his attempt to go for the ball slightly but made amends with a very good penalty stop. Shanks the player to miss.

On 26 minutes an Aberdeen corner was headed down by Luke Turner and had to be cleared off the line and Hanratty hit the rebound off the post.

Just before the half hour mark Aberdeen finally took the lead with a piece of brilliance from Lewis Duncan. Chasing a ball over the top he skilfully beat his marker before flicking the ball up and volleying it home. A superb individual goal.

On 35 minutes Aberdeen added a second when Shanks showed good strength to win the ball on the edge of the area and despite being grounded he had the vision to lay the ball into the path of Hanratty who produced a lovely first time finish, curling the ball into the far corner with a low shot.

Five minutes later the two players combined again. Shanks produced a clever dummy which let the ball run for Hanratty and coming off his wing he produced an almost identical finish. A few minutes later Kevin almost completed his hat-trick but Sharp stood up well at his near post.

It had been an excellent first half display from Barry Robson's side who had harried and pressed Dundee all over the pitch.

Half-Time Aberdeen 3 Dundee 0

Dundee, playing with a back four who were all trialists, regrouped at half time.

On 48 minutes good wing play by Cameron Dow saw his cross prodded home at the near post by Luke Strachan.

The goal lifted the visitors who then enjoyed a decent little spell. Dow might have done better with a free header from a corner and then both Fleming and Anderson had openings.

However just before the hour mark Grady McGrath finished off a good move by rounding Tom Ritchie and finding the net.

3-2 and Dundee were right back in the game.

On 65 minutes Aberdeen made a triple change as they looked to regain control. Kyle Dalling went into centre half, Kieran Ngwenya to right back and Michael Dangana went up top.

The fresh legs made a difference as Aberdeen picked up the pace again.

With twenty minutes to go a Connor Barron free kick took a wicked defection and with the substitute keeper wrong footed, Dangana was alert and was able force the ball over the line.

With fifteen minutes to go Jack Milne went to right back.

After that Aberdeen regained their momentium and Barry, Hanratty and Dangana all went close.

On 84 minutes Hanratty completed his hat-trick. He beat the keeper to the ball on the by-line but still had a lot to do, somehow though he managed to find the far corner of the net despite having no angle to aim at.

In the final minute Aberdeen saved the best goal till last. Tyler Mykyta picked the ball up about 30 yards out and then hit a rocket into the top corner.

Full-Time: Aberdeen 6 Dundee 2