Kilmarnock 2 - 3 Aberdeen

The young Dons made the long trek south to Kilmarnock, having already beaten the Rugby Park side 4-0 earlier in the season.

Liam Harvey, Finlay Murray and Dylan Lobban were all away on Scotland Under 17 international duty, their places in the team taken by Taylor Mason, Kai Watson and Alfie Stewart made a debut at this level.

Another change saw Jamie Shingler between the sticks in place of Blessing Oluyemi.

The home side were quickly out of the traps and grabbed the lead in the second minute, Kirk McKnight's long throw from the right being knocked on for Kian Leslie to nip in and score.

Worse was to follow three minutes later, another long throw from McKnight causing problems as the referee ruled McKenzie had barged Jamie Kirkpatrick off the ball. The striker took the spot kick himself and netted confidently.

The Dons were looking a bit shellshocked with the quick start from Kilmarnock and struggled to create anything going forward themselves.

The home team won a free kick in a good position about twenty two yards from goal, but Kirkpatrick wasn't able to hit the target.

Battling play from Alfie Bavidge saw him wriggle clear of his marker before squaring the ball for Adam Emslie whose shot flew inches wide.

The balance of play was just shifting towards the visitors as they tried to get a foothold in the game, but Kilmarnock were still a real threat when they moved forward, Bobby Wales testing Jamie Shingler with a couple of efforts from distance.

The Dons got themselves back into the game on 36 minutes, Adam Emslie's shot spilled by Glavin and Cammy Wilson quickest to react to force the ball home. A big moment for the fifteen year old as he scored for the first time at this level.

A clever short corner saw Harvey Gilmour whip in a brilliant cross which Wales glanced agonisingly wide. The game was being played at a good tempo with both sides showing positive intent when they were in possession.

Aberdeen had recovered well after Kilmarnock's lightning fast start and the game was in the balance as the half time whistle sounded.

Half time - Kilmarnock 2 Aberdeen 1

It took the Dons only twenty seconds to draw level in the second half, Alfie Bavidge prodding home Emslie's cross from close range.

Whatever Barry Robson had said at the break, it paid instant dividends.

Killie broke forward on 51 minutes and Cammy Mulvanny looked certain to score, but Shingler spread himself brilliantly to smother the forward's effort.

Aberdeen had a shout for a penalty when Timi Fatona appeared to be clipped by Gilmour then Kai Watson saw a header go wide following a Wilson corner. As the rain started to pour down, the Dons were looking the likelier of the two sides.

Lyall Holding hurt himself making a last ditch tackle on Emslie and was replaced by Ben Hughes. A second change saw Mulvanny withdrawn as Aidan McAuley came on swiftly followed by Ben Brannan taking over from Gilmour.

The Dons sensationally took the lead on 71 minutes, great pressing from Finlay Marshall won the initial ball which was shuttled through via Bavidge and Emslie to Alfie Stewart. The youngster showed terrific coolness for a kid making his debut to curl a delightful shot into the corner leaving the keeper helpless.

Another truly memorable moment.

A brilliant burst forward from Fatona saw the full back shoot over as the confidence coursed through the visiting team, Killie now looking a rather pale shadow of the side who had started so well.

However, the home side showed a bit of spirit and pressed forward, but Blair McKenzie marshalled the Dons defence well and Shingler was not really tested.

A quick breakaway saw Emslie race clear, but Glavin stood up well to repel the striker. As the game went into stoppage time Emslie was again one on one with the keeper, but again Glavin was strong and won the duel.

Time ran out for Kilmarnock and the Dons grabbed a well deserved victory.

Full time - Kilmarnock 2 Aberdeen 3

Reaction:

Barry Robson: "It was not a great start.

"It was a new young back four. Defensively we have struggled a bit all season, but it is something as a team we are trying to address and work on.

"The way we want to play is quite dangerous but we also need to keep the backdoor shut.

"Massive credit must go to the players for getting back into the game after going down 2-0 so early. It shows great character.

"We have been young all season, but even younger tonight. Basically it was an U16 team. We had three guys away on international duty and the two boys away on loan. The squad we started the season with was almost gone tonight.

"I am a great believer in bringing them up quickly. That will develop them quicker.

"Alfie Stewart and Cammy Wilson are talented boys. What they need to learn to do is move quicker and get around the pitch quicker. We will work with them on that a lot and the physical side of the game. That is the bits we will add.

"I always say to them it is about being brave on the ball. I will not have a go at them if they give the ball away. I will have something to say if they don't go and take the ball. They play with a lot of excitement and freedom but there is also some naivety and that again is what Scott and I need to work on.

"We found a way to win. If you play for the first team you have to learn how to win games. They certainly did that tonight.

"A good night. Hopefully there is more of them to come between now and the end of the season."