St. Johnstone 0 - 2 Aberdeen

Jamie Masson was suspended, Dean Carse and Conor Devaney have both been allowed to leave Pittodrie to help them find a new club and Michael Dunlop and Scott Rumsby are both injured.

The Dons lined up with Craig Storie at centre half alongside Michael Rose, Craig Murray filled in at right back and Matthew McMahon and Kieran Gibbons came into the midfield.

Stephen O'Neill captained the side.

In the first half Aberdeen played the better football on a bumpy and dry pitch but there were few chances at either end.

On 59 minutes Neil Cooper had to further change his team. Craig Storie got injured and had to be replaced. School boy Stuart Close came on to make his debut for the 19s. He went to right back, Craig Murray filled in at left back and Gibbons went to centre half.

Aberdeen eventually broke the deadlock after the hour mark. Rose won the ball and found Fraser. The winger went on a good run and then played a brilliant through ball to Declan McManus who shot across the keeper into the corner of the net.

On 71 minutes the home side had a man sent off. Gilchrist was deservedly red carded for a lunge on Cammy Smith.

After 78 minutes the Dons deservedly got a second. It was Ryan Fraser who again created it, this time he picked out McMahon who finished brilliantly with the outside of his right foot. The young Northern Irishman has mainly been involved with the 17s this season and has had to wait patiently for his opportunity at 19 level but he is a player to watch out for over the next couple of seasons.

The Aberdeen make shift defence did well to prevent any clear cut openings. At the other end the Dons might have added another couple but Neil Cooper was still delighted with the effort of the players when he spoke to RedWeb.

"I have a lot t be pleased about after that performance. The players were different class. Their shape was really good throughout and they all played well. Although we had up to seven boys missing the standard of play was still very high. The players who came in did not let the standards we have set this season drop and it was very encouraging to see they could come into the side and were all up to speed straight away. This will pretty much be the squad for next season, plus a few new additions. We can build on that performance.