Aberdeen 3 - 1 Hibernian

Three clinical finishes in the first half were enough to send Aberdeen Under 18’s to victory against a good Hibernian side at Cormack Park on Friday afternoon – but a challenging second half meant they were made to work for it. Cammy Wilson got the ball rolling with his opener after ten minutes, before Fraser Mackie doubled his sides advantage just 60 seconds later. Fletcher Boyd rounded out the Dons scoring after 22 minutes when he headed home.

Scott Anderson called Findlay Marshall back into his side for the visit of the young Hibees, he took the place of Dylan Ross in the XI.

A brilliant pass from Marshall that found Mackie set the tone for what would be a swashbuckling first half attacking performance. Mackie was unable to pick out a team-mate with his low cross, but it wasn’t long before the goals started flowing.

On the ten-minute mark Marshall showed the value of the press and was able to close down Mallon in the Hibernian goal, the ball eventually landing at the feet of Wilson on the edge of the box who applied a tidy low finish.

The familiar pattern of goals in quick succession for the Under 18’s reared its head again just one minute later.

Some intricate passing play led to Cammy laying on an inch perfect ball for Mackie, which he was able to take in his stride and send beyond Mallon for 2-0.

A superb goal.

With the Dons dominating proceedings the third goal was just ten minutes away and it came when Brendan Hamilton supplied a quite fantastic cross from the touchline that found Boyd at the back-post who was able to head home. It was another excellent goal in a season that has contained many for Boyd, this time an ariel effort for the young Dons number ten.

There were more chances yet for Aberdeen, Boyd turned provider and set up Wilson who could only fire over the bar. Cooper Masson was having a strong game alongside Marshall in the middle of the park, his deep cross met by the head of Mackie but his effort back across goal was read by Mallon.

Hibernian were moving the ball well throughout the opening period but were unable to make it count in the final third and were forced to go in at the interval 3-0 down.

HT. Aberdeen 3-0 Hibernian.

To their credit, Hibs started the second period strongly as they looked for a route back into the contest. Vitol’s alertness was tested when he was called into action, punching McDonald’s effort over the bar.

Before the hour was out Marshall made way, Ross his replacement.

Second half chances for the Dons were limited. Mallon made a good save to deny Boyd from close range, and Mackie pushed an effort into the side netting from a tight angle.

The Hibs captain Macintyre and the recently introduced substitute Buckley both squandered chances for their side, Buckley’s header at the back-post a particularly strong opportunity to set up a closer finish.

The Edinburgh side were enjoying plenty of possession but Scott Anderson’s side were managing the game well and looking solid at the back.

Hibernian did eventually get their goal however when Cleland slammed home from inside the six-yard box with five minutes left of the contest. A well worked goal.

The recently introduced Tristan Stephen thought he had won his side a penalty at the death when he was slipped through by Wilson, the young forward got the better of the keeper and took it round Mallon before being wiped out – only to be thwarted by the linesmen’s flag.

Aberdeen survived a few Hibs corners as injury time played out and come the full-time whistle were able to reflect on another hard-fought win as they continue their quest to end their season on a high. All roads now lead to Hampden for the Under 18’s: next up, the Youth Cup Final on May 1st. Four league games to follow after that.