Motherwell 1 - 2 Aberdeen

Aberdeen Under 18’s came from behind for the second time in a week to defeat a dogged Motherwell side by two goals to one and wrap up a successful week for the young Dons that saw six points come their way as they continued their strong domestic form.

A goal a-piece from Cammy Wilson and Fraser Mackie in the second half was enough to secure victory at a soggy K – Park.

There was one enforced change to the team that came from behind to defeat St Mirren 6-2 just a few days ago – Victor Enem dropped out through injury, Timothy Akindileni his replacement. The young Dons travelled light, naming just three outfield substitutes.

Motherwell slightly edged the early stages of the clash without being able to fashion any clear-cut chances to open the scoring. It was instead Aberdeen up the other end who came closest initially: Mackie blasted an effort that could only be stopped by the feet of Sneddon. From the corner Findlay Marshall was able to rework the ball back into the box, this time met by the head of Mackie, but he was again denied.

The young Dons were winning a lot of corners without being able to use them to full effect, Akindelini had the best chance of the lot when he rose highest to meet Alfie Stewart’s delivery, this time the effort high and over the frame of the goal. Marshall had a half chance at the back post, his half-volley forced a strong diving save.

There was little in the game in what was a fairly even opening period, but it was the hosts who would draw first blood. With the ball seemingly hanging up in the air inside the Dons box for an eternity Zack Tomany got up first and claimed the first goal.

Aberdeen huffed and puffed during the remaining ten minutes of the half but were unable to fashion any chances of real quality and went in at the break behind.

Half time Motherwell 1-0 Aberdeen.

From the restart Aberdeen were pushing hard as they searched for an equaliser but it was beginning to look like it just wasn’t going to be their day until two goals in the space of two minutes had the game on its head.

Fletcher Boyd was played through on goal but the Dons attackers’ low effort didn’t have enough on it to trouble Sneddon.

Aberdeen were very nearly level when Akindileni slid in at the back post to get on the end of Stewart’s pinpoint freekick but much to his aggrievance he could only watch his bundled effort go inches wide with the goal gaping.

There was a feeling of Deja-vu when Boyd was next to miss a very similar chance at the back post minutes later, again just missing the target.

In the blink of an eye the complexion of the game was different.

Cammy Wilson’s cross at a tight angle looped towards goal, over the keeper and into the back of the net to level the game. Slightly fortuitous in the end, but it was nothing less than Aberdeen deserved.

The young Dons were buoyed by the goal and Stewart almost had his side ahead just one minute later, his effort turned behind.

There was finally some joy from a corner to give Aberdeen the lead. Mackie stood tall in the box and was able to divert Boyd’s delivery into the back of the net: the young Dons were finally ahead in Lanarkshire with just over fifteen minutes to be played.

The closing stages weren’t without adversity and after near ten minutes of stoppage time the referee finally blew for full-time to confirm a big three points for Scott Anderson’s side on the road.