Aberdeen 3 - 2 Motherwell

Aberdeen U20s beat Motherwell in a very entertaining game at Gayfield, Arbroath. Despite the difficult conditions caused by a strong wind, both teams played some excellent football. The first half was very even. Nicky Low should have been awarded a penalty in the opening minutes but instead was incredibly booked for diving. The Dons did though get a penalty on 17 minutes when McManus was fouled in the box and Nicky Low converted to open the scoring. The young Dons had other chances to score, McManus went close on two occasions, the best chance saw him clip the ball over Hollis but the ball just went over the bar. Declan also set up Smith but Cammy fired wildly wide. The visitors though also had their chances and Nicky Weaver made a couple of good saves, as well as one brilliant block to deny Shirkie from close range. However just after the half hour mark he could do nothing to stop a 20 yard low drive from the same player which went in off the post. After the break Neil Cooper's side dominated possession and they had a few chances. The best of which fell to Scott Wright on 53 minutes but he was denied by Hollis who made a good save. The Dons though deservedly went ahead again on 59 minutes. Nicky Low did really well and burst into the area. Although he was at too tight an angle to shoot, his low cross was bundled in on the line by Cammy Smith after Wright's effort had been blocked. At the other end Weaver did well to prevent Shirkie getting a second when he blocked with his legs.Aberdeen had chances to make the game safe and even without the substituted Smith and Low they looked comfortable. On 81 minutes after another very good passing move there was an opening for Craig Murray but he could not get enough power into his shot to trouble the keeper. However on 85 minutes they gave Shirkie too much time to cross and he picked out Neill who headed home. It looked like the Dons were going to drop more points after conceding another late goal but to their credit they kept fighting till the end. On 90 minute McManus had a chance at his near post by Hollis saved with his feet. The Dons though were rewarded for their efforts when in injury time Campanile went for a cross at the back post and the ref saw a push. Declan McManus stepped up to take the spot kick and he showed good composure to calmly find the net to give Aberdeen the win.