Aberdeen 4 - 1 Kilmarnock

Both sides went into this match off the back of good away wins from last Friday, Killie getting the better of Dundee United while the Dons were buoyed by their excellent victory over Youth Cup finalists Hearts. Aberdeen have prevailed in both meetings of the sides so far this season, winning 4-0 at home and coming back from two down to win a five goal thriller at Rugby Park.

Scott Anderson took charge this afternoon and made two changes to his starting eleven as 14 year old Victor Enem and Taylor Mason replaced Cammy Wilson and Finn Yeats.

Aberdeen were on the front foot from the first whistle and keeper O'Connor had to look lively to race from his box to prevent Liam Harvey from getting on the end of a searching ball from Alfie Stewart.

The opening goal came in only the fifth minute, Adam Emslie's cross bouncing off Blair McKenzie into the path of Finlay Murray who swept the ball home. Emslie then tested O'Connor as the Dons looked to stamp their authority on the game.

Killie's first opportunity came in the 18th minute, Wales getting a shot away which was well parried by Blessing Oluyemi. Five minutes later Stewart made a great run down the inside right channel, holding off Craig before cutting into the area, his parting shot only inches wide of the keeper's left hand post.

Aberdeen doubled their lead on 33 minutes, Lobban sending Harvey off down the right and his cross fell perfectly for Mason to fire the ball right-footed past a stranded O'Connor.

After the keeper pulled off a fine save from Findlay Marshall, he blundered by dropping a Stewart free kick at the feet of Murray and the centre back took full advantage to stroke the ball into the net for his second and his side's third goal.

Oluyemi again saved well from Wales just before the break, but the interval came with the home side well in control after a dominant first forty five.

Half time - Aberdeen 3 Kilmarnock 0

The second half never hit the same levels as the opening period, but Aberdeen scored a fourth goal on 58 minutes, skipper Dylan Lobban firing a crisp shot into the bottom corner after good build up play featuring Mason and Stewart. This was the 50th Aberdeen goal of the season in the Under 18 League.

McArthur was denied by a good Oluyemi save but the Rugby Park outfit got themselves on the score sheet on 72 minutes when Wales was played in, the striker showing a cool head to evade the outrushing keeper to slot the ball home. Perhaps the only blot on the home team's performance as they were not able to register a clean sheet.

Timi Fatona and Lewis Pirie got a run as they replaced Kai Watson and Liam Harvey but there were no more goals as the Dons ran out winners against Killie for the third time this season.

Next up is a visit from high flying Hibernian on Friday, kick off at Cormack Park at 3 o'clock.

Full time - Aberdeen 4 Kilmarnock 1

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Scott Anderson: "It was a very good first half performance.

"I thought we were really aggressive with our press, I thought we played on the front foot and when we do that, we look at our best. When we play forward, we are an exciting team to watch.

"So really pleased with the boys in the first half, some really good goals, a couple of other good opportunities and we kept the back door shut as well so I could not fault them. Our defending as a back four and as a team has been better the last few weeks.

"Once we get the four goal we lost our way a little bit - we did not really know when to keep the ball, when to attack. We were disappointed to concede and not get the cleansheet, but we see the game out comfortably and overall, a very satisfying performance from a coaches' point of view.

"You could see a little bit of fatigue in the second half which is understandable. They are playing against older players which is physically very demanding. But the boys are in great shape as we have worked really hard with them to build that robustness. Their fitness is outstanding and that has been one of our key things this season.

"We will now get them ready for Hibs on Friday. We know that will be a very tough test. They are a side that will be way older than ourselves and they are really strong this season. Hibs are unbeaten but this is our opportunity at home to go and be that first team to beat them in the league. We will need to fight and scrap and make sure that everyone stands up and is counted. We need to be brave and go and take the ball. A real real challenge but a game for them to look forward to on the back of two good wins."