Aberdeen 4 - 0 Motherwell

Two goals in each half with no reply ensured Aberdeen Under 18s recorded an impressive victory over Motherwell at Cormack Park on Friday night.

First half goals from Fraser Mackie and Zak To sent the Young Dons on there way, with Jack Searle and Cooper Masson both netting in the second 45 to wrap up a positive nights work for Scott Anderson’s side.

Report

Lewis Carrol and Cooper Masson both returned to the XI after being away during the week on Scotland U17 duty. The Dons were ever so slightly thin on the bench for the visit of the Steelmen, with just three outfield substitutes on the bench.

Aberdeen looked quick out the traps and were rewarded with an early opening goal courtesy of Fraser Mackie who raced onto a slack back pass to poke under McConnell to get his side up and running.

Mackie came close to sending Joseph Teasdale through on goal after a quick Dons counter attack, the forwards pass ever so slightly heavy.

The young Dons got a deserved second goal after 15 minutes through To who was alert enough inside the area to follow up on what was an initially well saved effort, and send the ball beyond McConnell at the second time of asking.

Aberdeen were in their groove going toward. Not long after doubling their advantage Mackie curled over the bar from the edge of the box.

Not long after that, Masson played through Teasdale with the young Dons continuing to dominate, the wide man’s shot well held.

Up the other end, Oliver Green done well to cut out a cross from Tomany, the corner marshalled to safety by the Dons. Attacks for the ‘Well were limited but whatever did come their way the young Aberdeen defence were dealing with it well.

Aberdeen went in at the interval 2-0 to the good and totally in control of the contest.

Half-time, Aberdeen 2 Motherwell 0.

A difficult salvage job for Motherwell was made even more difficult right at the start of the second half when Lawson was dismissed for an off the ball incident. The visiting number seven made no complaints, and the away side were down to ten.

Jack Searle got in on the act after 55 minutes.

Mackie done exceptionally well to race down the line and cut back to Masson who had his effort blocked, the ball fortuitously landing at the feet of the attacker who set himself up and drilled an effort low and into the bottom corner. 3-0 Aberdeen.

Copper Masson almost took the roof of the net not long after The Dons went three nil with an excellent half volley from the edge of the box. It was a cracking effort that left McCallum rooted.

Masson took a heavy whack to the ankle during a competitive 50/50 that meant the midfielder required a lengthy period of treatment – thankfully he was able to continue.

The early second half goals combined with the Motherwell dismissal ensured the remainder of the second 45 was largely a non-event. McConnell pulled off a good stop from close range to deny Mackie, Masson fired over the bar not long after.

All three outfield substitutes were introduced for the last 15: Joel Wiseman and Sam Payne replaced Searle and Teasdade with just over ten to play. A few minutes later the skipper Carrol made way, Sam Rothie introduced.

A well worked short corner near the end of play allowed Dylan Ross a shot from inside the box after a neat give and go with To, his effort blocked and behind.

A great win for the Young Dons at Cormack Park. Next up, a trip down the road to take on Rangers in Glasgow next Friday, kick-off 4PM.